The sun is covered by the moon during a total solar eclipse in the Indian city of Varanasi. The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century cast a shadow over much of Asia, plunging hundreds of millions into darkness across the giant land masses of India and China (AFP/Pedro Ugarte).
PHOTOS Graphic showing the path of Wednesday's total solar eclipse across Asia and the Pacific (AFP).
PHOTOS The path of total solar eclipse across Asia and the Pacific. Heavy clouds and rain are likely to ruin the party for millions of people hoping to watch Wednesday's eclipse in Shanghai and other parts of eastern China, say meteorologists (AFP/Martin Megino).
