The solar eclipse of July 22, 2009 is the "longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century," exceeded only by the record-setting solar eclipse of July 11, 1991, and not to be surpassed until 2132. It lasted as much as 6 minutes and 39 seconds in parts of Southeast Asia,causing tourist interest in eastern China, India and Nepal.This was the second in the series of three eclipses in a one-month period, being book-ended by two minor penumbral lunar eclipses, the first was on July 7 and second will be on August 6.
A partial eclipse was seen from the much broader path of the Moon's penumbra, including most of Southeast Asia (all of India and China) and north-eastern Oceania.
The Chinese government used the opportunity to provide scientific education and to dispel any superstition.
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