The Olympics aren't the only epic event occurring in China next month. A total solar eclipse, the first since 2006, will turn day to night on Friday, the first of August.
The eclipse will also be visible in parts of northern Canada, Greenland, Siberia, and Mongolia.
Many Chinese will celebrate the celestial event with parties and viewing festivities—but it wasn't always so.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Eclipses in Ancient China Spurred Science, Beheadings?