The annular solar eclipse, the last one of the decade, is underway in India. There are three types of solar eclipse - total, partial and annular. Often referred to as a "Ring of Fire", the solar eclipse in India will be partial in form, and visible in the states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi.
The partial solar eclipse in the country began at 0759 Hrs Indian Standard Time (IST) and will end at approximately 1131 Hours IST.
Netizens took to social media to share their joy over witnessing the astronomical wonder that occurs at least twice a year in most places. On rare occasions, there can be up to seven eclipses in a year. Some revealed that they were watching a solar eclipse for the first time.
In Gujarat, Kerala and Tamil Nadu states, the partial eclipse was clearly seen in varying magnitudes, depending on its geographical position, the ANI news agency said.
Astronomers have issued do's and don'ts for safely viewing the eclipse because the infrared and ultraviolet rays of the Sun can damage the naked eye if viewed without the use of proper protective equipment. Viewers have been advised to view the eclipse through dark glasses, pinhole cameras and telescopes to prevent retinal damage.
Besides India, the eclipse will also be visible in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam.
The full eclipse will be visible from the Pacific Ocean Island of Guam at 1230 Hrs (IST).