Millions of people across Indonesia and the Pacific have experienced a total solar eclipse, with parts of the region falling into complete darkness. The eclipse began at 06:19 local time (2319 GMT Tuesday) as the Moon started to pass directly in front of the Sun. As the eclipse reached totality, the Moon blocked all direct sunlight, turning day into night, BBC reported. In Indonesia’s Belitung province, a crowd gathered on a beach and witnesses spoke of a “magical” experience. The eclipse was total in Indonesia and the Central Pacific, while parts of Australia and Asia experienced a partial one. Astronomers reiterated advice not to look directly at the Sun with the naked eye, or through a telescope. Experts recommended using either a professional solar filter in front of a telescope or camera, or special eclipse-viewing glasses. The total eclipse began at 0015 GMT, with the moment of maximum shadow at 0159 GMT. The celestial event will end at sunset, local time, north of Hawaii (0434 GMT).
