We may understand the science behind them, but total solar eclipses continue to exert an almost magical power over us. The sudden darkening of the sky. The eery silence that descends. The cool chill that makes the hairs on the back of our necks stand on end. It's enough to send tingles down the strongest of spines.

In ancient China, people beat drums to scare off what they believed to be a sun-eating snake, while the ancient Indians stood up to their necks in water to appease their angry gods. In these more enlightened times, we do neither, but that doesn't stop our adrenaline pumping as we are dramatically plunged into darkness. Viewing this rare celestial event is a thrilling experience. And one that can be highly addictive!

On August 1, when the sun and moon next align, and a shadow falls across a narrow sliver of the earth's surface (the path of totality), the place to be is Northern China. But don't pack your drum or indeed all your camera bags. At a fleetingly short two minutes, you don't want any distractions - not least a jammed shutter - just the chance to sit back, relax and absorb this solar phenomenon with all your senses.

"Viewing an eclipse is an emotional event as well as a physical one," says Professor Paul Murdin, who will be accompanying Explore's 'China Highlights & Eclipse' tour this year. "It's not only what you see but what you feel that is of importance, and like our ancestors, we should experience awe and wonder at the sudden darkness of an unexpected night."



To discover more about Explore's tours to view the August 1st eclipse, and for more information about the next total solar eclipse on July 22, 2009, click here