As the new moon passes directly in front of the Sun during the early hours of Wednesday, March 9, millions of people across Indonesia and the Pacific have been treated a total solar eclipse.
However, in India, it is a partial one, which begins at 4:49 am (Indian Standard Time) on Wednesday and continues till 9:08 am (IST).
The total eclipse is visible in Indonesia and the Central Pacific and a partial one is be visible in parts of Southeast Asia and Australia.
Total solar eclipses occur when the moon comes between the Sun and the Earth, and casts the darkest part of its shadow on Earth.
Astronomers warned against looking directly at the eclipsed Sun as it can cause permanent eye damage, leading to blindness. They recommend using either a professional solar filter in front of a telescope or camera, or special eclipse-viewing glasses.
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