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04:47 GMT, Wednesday, 22 July 2009 05:47 UK
In pictures: Solar eclipse over Asia
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Millions of people across Asia have gathered to catch a glimpse of the longest total eclipse of the sun this century. On Wednesday, the eclipse crossed a corridor from India to the Pacific.
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The eclipse could be seen for about five minutes. There will not be a longer eclipse until 2132.
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Ahead of the eclipse, people prepared to shield their eyes with glasses - or in the case of this Chinese couple, welding shields.
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In India, where the eclipse occurred across a band of land from the western coast to the north, clouds parted in several cities at dawn.
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According to custom, some people watched it immersed in holy water, which is thought to bring good luck. But for others, including pregnant women, it was considered inauspicious, and they stayed at home.
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In some places, including Shanghai in China, clouds and rain obstructed viewing of the eclipse.
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Scientists said the eclipse offered them a rare chance to view certain aspects of the sun, including solar flares and the sun's corona.
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Some researchers travelled on an Indian air force plane in order to monitor and photograph the rare event.
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