SHANGHAI: As many others geared up to catch the solar eclipse of the century, former teacher Zhu Yan spotted a shining opportunity to rake in some cash.

Sales from protective goggles to view the eclipse helped the 27-year-old businesswoman make at least half a million yuan ($73,000) in two weeks.

Like many other vendors on auction website Taobao.com, Zhu worked day and night to sell goggles, binoculars and other paraphernalia for watching the eclipse.