Partial eclipses were also visible over other parts of Asia and Australia, and astronomy enthusiasts across the region gathered on rooftops, beaches and in observatories to witness the phenomenon.
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A general view shows a partial solar eclipse behind the Wilayah mosque in Kuala Lumpur on March 9, 2016.
“It was very annoying that we couldn’t see the sun properly”, said David Pratama, 18, as jeers of disappointment rose up in the crowd around him as the moon moved across the sun.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the sun is completely covered by the sun when viewed from the earth’s surface, exposing a circular rim of light.
Thousands of eclipse-chasers came from overseas and the government, which has been the promoting the event for more than a year, forecast a substantial tourism boost.
People who wish to use a telescope or binoculars to view the eclipse, or even take photos or videos, are also advised to use solar filters or glasses for both the device and photographer.
A total solar eclipse is pictured from the city of Ternate, in Indonesia’s Maluku Islands.
The path of totality for Tuesday’s eclipse – meaning the area on earth where you see the moon cover the sun – is only 100 miles wide, and sits out in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
The total eclipse, which lasted just a few minutes, began at different times at different spots along the path of totality.
As the sun reappeared – on average around 2-1/2 minutes later – some onlookers reached for their camera phones and raised them to the skies, while others clapped quietly. Oklahoma-based Spears Travel says a group led by a former NASA scientist it has booked on a special Holland America Line cruise includes people from Canada, the U.S., Britain, China and Iran.
“Unfortunately we got nothing because we had rain showers and solid cloud”, said optometrist Ralph Chou who was hoping to see his 19th total solar eclipse. A four-strong team from NASA was in Maba, a small town in the Malukus, to observe the eclipse.
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CNN’s Kathy Quiano reported in Jakarta.
