The total eclipse of November 14 2012 was my 8th total eclipse. Yet it was still as magical, amazing, and wondrous as ever. This eclipse seemed particularly beautiful – the diamond ring seemed to hang suspended in time; and the eclipsed Sun appeared to be larger than I recall from previous total eclipses.

Every total eclipse seems different to the last. This is because there are so many things that vary during each eclipse, and this produces a different experience each time. The position of the Sun in the sky, the landscape before you, the time of day, the company you are with, and the country you are in all influence the eclipse experience. As many in North Queensland will also tell you, the presence of clouds also influences the experience of totality.

For me, the country and customs of people around contribute very strongly to the eclipse experience I have. I was delighted to have experienced this eclipse on my home turf. This made it very special indeed, and has made me want to do all I can to share the experience with my fellow North Queenslanders. It has also made me want to ensure other communities who are in the path of the eclipse in the future realise the importance of this unique event.

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