Sun in the sky: India witnesses a partial solar eclipse

A partial solar eclipse was seen from various locations across India on Wednesday.

A partial solar eclipse was seen from various locations across India on Wednesday, starting at 4:49am till 9:08am.

Partial solar eclipse as seen from Bhopal. (Mujeeb Faruqui/HT Photo)

“Today’s eclipse, which was partial for many parts of India, was total in Indonesia and Malaysia regions,” said Dr Ratnashree, director of the Nehru Planetarium.

As the new moon passes directly in front of the Sun during the early hours of March 9, millions of people across Indonesia and the Pacific were treated to a total solar eclipse, which began at 6:19am.

The rare astronomical occurrence was witnessed along a narrow path that stretches across 12 provinces encompassing three times zones and about 40 million people. (Mujeeb Faruqui/HT Photo)

Western Australia saw a partial eclipse from 8am whereas Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart unfortunately missed the eclipse. It was also visible in Hawaii, east of the international date line.

Total solar eclipses, a rare event, occur when the moon comes between the Sun and the Earth, and casts the darkest part of its shadow on Earth.

The solar eclipse began at 6:19 am on Wednesday. (Mujeeb Faruqui/HT Photo)