Millions gaze the rare 'Ring of Fire' solar eclipse

Millions of Asians watched as a rare "ring of fire" eclipse crossed their skies early on Monday.

The annular eclipse, in which the moon passes in front of the sun leaving only a golden ring around its edges, was visible to wide areas across the continent. It moved across the Pacific and was also be seen in parts of the western United States. (AP Image)

In Japan, "eclipse tours" were arranged at schools and parks, on pleasure boats and even private airplanes. Similar events were held in China and Taiwan as well, with sky watchers warned to protect their eyes. (AFP image)

The eclipse was broadcast live on TV in Tokyo, where such an eclipse hasn't been visible since 1839. Japanese TV crews watched from the top of Mount Fuji and even staked out a zoo south of Tokyo to capture the reaction of the chimpanzees - who didn't seem to notice. (AP Image)

A light rain fell on Tokyo as the eclipse began, but the clouds thinned as it reached its peak, providing near perfect conditions. (AFP Image)

At the Taipei Astronomical Museum in Taiwan, the spectacle emerged from dark clouds for only about 30 seconds. But the view was nearly perfect against Manila's orange skies. (AP Image)

Hong Kong sky watchers weren't so lucky. Several hundred people gathered along the Kowloon waterfront on Hong Kong's famed Victoria Harbour, most of them students or commuters on their way to work. The eclipse was already underway as the sun began to rise, but heavy clouds obstructed the view. (AFP Image)

"Ring of Fire" eclipses are not as dramatic as a total eclipse, when the disk of the sun is entirely blocked by the moon. The moon is too far from Earth and appears too small in the sky to blot out the sun completely. (AFP Image)

Doctors and education officials have warned of eye injuries from improper viewing. Before the event started, Japan's Education Minister Hirofumi Hirano demonstrated how to use eclipse glasses in a televised news conference. (AFP Image)

Police also cautioned against traffic accidents - warning drivers to keep their eyes on the road. (AP Image)