LOS ANGELES, May 21: Millions of sky-gazers got the spectacle of a lifetime as a “ring of fire” solar eclipse crossed the Pacific from Asia to the United States, where it triggered whoops at festive viewing parties.

The annular eclipse was visible in western US states from California to Texas late on Sunday and in parts of China, Taiwan and Japan on Monday local time, making a 13,600-kilometre (8,500-mile) arc across the Pacific.

In Asia, clouds across much of southeastern China prevented a clear view, with some early risers in Hong Kong able to see only a small sliver of the “annular” eclipse and others coming away disappointed.

An annular eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun, but is too far from the Earth to block it out completely, leaving the “ring of fire” visible.

However, many in Tokyo got a spectacular sight as the sprawling Japanese capital of 30 million people received its first glimpse of the phenomenon in 173 years.

Thousands in the western United States were banking on clearer skies as they ventured out at sunset on Sunday.

One of the best spots in North America to see the full ring of fire effect was the tiny town of Kanarraville, Utah, where the local population of 350 was invaded by thousands of eclipse-watchers.

T-shirts, flags and bumper stickers touted the town as the eclipse “sweet spot,” and there were also loud whoops when the full, annular eclipse was reached, some people watching through welders’ masks.

Further west in Los Angeles, thousands were gathered for the viewing party at the hill-top Griffith Observatory, overlooking the city near the iconic Hollywood sign.

In the cloudless skies over densely populated southern California, the eclipse peaked at 86 percent of the solar diameter, still blinding to the naked eye, but like a reverse crescent moon when viewed through a solar filter.

The observatory ran out of $2.99 eclipse glasses two days before the event, and on Sunday was only selling larger “solarama” shields, limited to two per family to see the eclipse, the most spectacular in LA for 20 years.

“It’s amazing, it’s phenomenal. It’s unlike anything I ever expected, so I’m very excited to be here,” said Dena Fargo.—AFP