An "annular eclipse" has being viewed across a swathe of the Earth stretching across the Pacific from Asia to the western US.

The eclipse occurs when the Moon is at its farthest from the Earth and does not block out the Sun completely.

Millions of people witnessed the resulting "ring of fire" phenomenon.

The
eclipse passed almost directly over Tokyo before sweeping just below
Alaska's Aleutian islands and making landfall in the western US.

In
Japan "eclipse tours" were held at schools and parks, on pleasure boats
and even private airplanes. Similar events were also held in China and
Taiwan.

TV in Tokyo broadcast the event live.

Light rain fell on Tokyo as the eclipse began, but the clouds thinned as it reached its peak, providing near perfect conditions.