Solar eclipse March 2016: Stunning images of the partial and total eclipse in Asia Pacific [PHOTOS]

The solar eclipse has come and gone, but not before people from the Asia Pacific were able to take photos of it. Observers from some parts of Indonesia have seen a total solar eclipse, while those from other countries, including China, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, the Philippines and northern Australia, have observed partial eclipse.

People from the central portions of Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia had the best view of the eclipse on March 9. They were able to see the moon completely covering the sun from their position. Some regions of the Asia Pacific, including Hawaii and the northern part of Australia, were also able to watch the glorious phenomenon, but only the partial eclipse.

The total solar eclipse saw the moon completely engulfing the sun from the Earth’s view as it passes directly in front of the sun, casting its shadow on Earth. At its peak, which is called totality, the moon looked like it had rings of fire surrounding it. As the photos from observers proved, the moment was a thing of beauty to behold. Those who saw partial solar eclipse didn’t miss out on the fun. The stunning images from observers in some countries show how magnificent the phenomenon was to witness.

The eclipse began 23:19 UTC on March 8, and the peak point was at 01:59 UTC on March 9.

As was advised, many viewers used safety eyewear during the short but memorable event as to avoid damaging their eyes. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the US said the only time that it was safe to view the eclipse without using safety wear for the eyes is when the moon completely covered the sun. Other than that, even when 99 percent of the sun’s surface was concealed, viewers should use prescribed solar viewing eyewear.

Read: Solar eclipse in Australia: How to view the solar eclipse safely

Click on the photos above to see images of the total and partial solar eclipse from different regions in Asia.