In pictures: Skywatchers enthralled by "Ring of Fire"

Ring of Fire - an annual solar eclipse was visible across Pakistan and parts of Africa, northern India and China on Sunday.

The eclipse was visible for a few hours and reached its peak around 11:40am, according to meteorologists.

According to Reuters, the annual event occurs when the moon covers the sun’s centre but leaves its outer edges visible to form a ring. In most years, two solar eclipses are visible from somewhere on Earth. The maximum number is five.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse is when the moon passes directly between the sun and the Earth. According to Accu Weather, the distance between the moon and the Earth at the moment of the eclipse dictates the type of the eclipse that can be viewed. The moon, however, does not always block out the entire sun.

Why is it called a ring of fire?

The term ‘ring of fire’ was coined seeing the bright ring of sunlight around the moon at the height of the annular solar eclipse.

Safety precautions

If you’re planning to view the ring of fire, then make sure to do it with proper eye protection. Viewing the sun directly can cause major damage to your eyes – which may even be permanent.

In some cases, a pair of sunglasses is also not enough to curtail the big star’s harmful rays.

A solar filter or a special pair of eclipse glasses designed for safe viewing of a solar eclipse would be recommended.