Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com). Voice of America is funded by the US Federal Government and content it exclusively produces is in the public domain. Ghanaians Turn Out in Droves to Witness Rare Solar Eclipse ---------------------------------------------------------- http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=118F389:3919ACA Sirens blared, Ghanaians of all ages cheered as unusual alignment of sun and moon darkened sky for several minutes Group of school children watch solar eclipse in Accra, WednesdayPeople in the northern African country of Ghana looked up to the skies in awe this Wednesday morning to witness the rare occurrence of a total solar eclipse. Sirens blared and Ghanaians of all ages cheered as the unusual alignment of the sun and the moon darkened the sky for several minutes over the capital city of Accra. Solar eclipse is seen in Accra, Ghana, WednesdaySightings of the total eclipse began in Brazil and have moved on to North Africa. It will then be seen over the Middle East and Central Asia. A total eclipse occurs when the moon's shadow covers the sun, darkening the sky and giving Earthbound watchers a rare view of the sun's fiery halo (corona). Thousands of people converged on the north African coast, at the Libyan-Egyptian border, where the total phase of the eclipse will be visible for more than four minutes - about twice as long as most other eclipses. Governments have also warned citizens not to look directly at the total eclipse without proper eye protection. Viewing of the eclipse will end in Mongolia. Libya has issued special visas for tourists eager to watch the celestial spectacle. Many observers who filled the streets in Ghana's capital praised the phenomenon as a religious experience. Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters. .