The most stunning photo of a solar eclipse

On July 28, 1851, a total solar eclipse was photographed for the first time in the world. Many people know that a solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun and blocks it from observers for a few moments. However, this phenomenon is still somewhat mystical and every year causes millions of admiring viewers around the world to gather and follow the magic of nature with bated breath.

In this compilation, we have collected the most outstanding photographs of solar eclipses and their observers taken over the past few years in different parts of the world.

(Total 13 photos)

1. A total solar eclipse, also called a "ring of fire", in the sky over Australia.

2. Thai schoolchildren watch a partial eclipse through special glasses, filters, Bangkok, January 26, 2009. (AP/Apicart Weerawong)

3. Solar eclipse on August 1, 2008 over the Great Wall of China. (Telegraph/Reuters)

4. Time-lapse of a solar eclipse over Australia, 2012 (Photo by Ben Cooper)

5. Partial solar eclipse May 20, 2012 in the sky over Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

6. Solar eclipse on July 11, 2011, observed from a cruise ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

7. Solar eclipse on the telescope screen, May 10, 2013, Observatory Hill, Sydney, Australia. (REUTERS/David Gray)

8. The sun, partially obscured by the shadow of the moon, in the sky over Manila, Philippines, January 26, 2009.

9. Partial solar eclipse observed in Austria on January 4, 2011. (Photo by Robert Pölzl)

10. Young Buddhists of Myanmar watching a solar eclipse in Yangon, January 26, 2009. (AP/Khin Maung Win)

11. Broadcast eclipse from the top of Mount Fuji in Japan, organized by Panasonic.

12. A total solar eclipse seen from Ellis Beach, Queensland, Australia on November 14, 2012.

13. Partial solar eclipse on January 4, 2011, filmed in northern France. (PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images)