A partial solar eclipse of up to 52 percent was seen in Ho Chi Minh City early on Wednesday morning, lasting for approximately two hours.

The solar eclipse began at 6:35 am, reached its peak of 52 percent at exactly 7:34 am, and ended at 8:35 am.

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, fully or partially blocking the Sun, and can happen only at new moon, when the Sun and the Moon are in alignment. In partial eclipses, only part of the Sun is obscured.

The weather in Ho Chi Minh City this morning was ideal for solar eclipse observation, producing a clear and cloudless sky.

Astronomy and photography enthusiasts flocked to high grounds in District 1, District 2 and District 7 to observe the rare phenomenon, joined by the media and curious passers-by.

Astronomy and photography enthusiasts gather on the bank of the Saigon River in District 1 to observe and take photos of the partial solar eclipse in Ho Chi Minh City, March 9, 2016. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The partial solar eclipse was the fullest observable solar event in Ho Chi Minh City since the total solar eclipse on October 24, 1995.

Apart from Vietnam, the partial solar eclipse was also visible across the Pacific Ocean, parts of Australia, and in Southern and Eastern Asia, while a total solar eclipse could be seen from parts of Indonesia, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Have a look at some photos of the eclipse taken by Tuoi Tre’s reporters:

A partial solar eclipse as observed at 6:50 am in Ho Chi Minh City on March 9, 2016. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The peak of the eclipse as observed at 7:34 am in Ho Chi Minh City on March 9, 2016. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The partial solar eclipse is seen ‘retreating’ after reaching its peak in Ho Chi Minh City on March 9, 2016. Photo: Tuoi Tre

The partial solar eclipse ended at 8:35 am in Ho Chi Minh City on March 9, 2016. Photo: Tuoi Tre

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