The world-renowned sky-gazer has been seconded by Cairns Council and Port Douglas Tourism to explain a total eclipse of the sun to visitors from all over the world.

Visitors are expected to flock to the Coral Sea from this week and Mr Reneke will be on hand to also talk to schools about safe solar viewing.

"I'll be holding astronomy lectures each day, viewing the sky at night through telescopes, safe solar viewing lectures and demo's in and around town, plus working as guest expert on ABC and commercial radio there," the astronomer said.

"It's a free all expenses paid holiday and a great way for my team and I to view this amazing sight. Very few natural events invoke the sort of feelings an eclipse does."

The eclipse starts at dawn in the very north of Australia, passing over Cairns then narrowly missing Norfolk Island. The eclipse track then crosses the Pacific Ocean without making landfall anywhere. 

In the Hastings we should see the sun 'disappear' just after 7am with maximum eclipse and most of the disc eaten up like a little Pac-Man at 8am.

Total eclipses of the Sun in a particular area are rare and arguably nature's most spectacular and awe inspiring phenomenon. 

But there is a danger to an eclipse, warned Mr Reneke, who said viewers will need special filtered glasses that reduce the sun's glare.

"Under no circumstances use sunglass lenses, exposed photographic film, compact discs or smoked glass. These offer no protection and actually increase the danger of eye damage," he said.

During totality the sky becomes dark, confusing birds and other animals. 

For information on the eclipse visit Dave's website www.davidreneke.com or to purchase the special $5 solar glasses ring 6585 2260.

You see stars in the sky and it gets strangely cooler. Street lights may come on as their sensors register the lack of light. The birds disappear from the trees and flowers have been known to close up, expecting nightfall. 

Just before and just after totality the disc of the sun is glimpsed as a pinpoint of light through mountains and craters at the edge of the Moon. 

This 'diamond ring effect' is one of the highlights of a total eclipse. 

During totality the sun's faint outer atmosphere, the corona, becomes, visible. 

This is one of nature's greatest spectacles and the reason why many amateur astronomers travel to as many total eclipses of the Sun as they can. 

They also attract significant international interest from research scientists, photographers, eclipse tourists, and from ordinary people simply wanting to witness this incredible spectacle at least once in their lives. 

There has not been a total eclipse seen from mainland Australia since the South Australian eclipse of 4 December 2002. 

The next chance you'll have won't be until 22 July 2028 over Sydney.