AL-AHSA — Sky-watching enthusiasts, photographers and university students — Saudis and expatriates — made the most of the solar eclipse as they witnessed "ring of fire," believed to be the first of its kind in the Kingdom.

The phenomenon of the annular solar eclipse was a treat for the people in Al-Ahsa as they gathered at Jabal Al-Arbaa, east of Hofuf and Mount Al-Shu`ba, east of Mubarraz city. They brought with them special glasses, devices and tools to capture the rare cosmic event.

The annular solar eclipse is a rare phenomenon and it received great attention from relevant government and private agencies, media professionals, sky-watching enthusiasts, photographers and students. The annular solar eclipse took place 97 years back.

The central line of the eclipse track fell across the populated areas of city of Al-Hofuf in Al-Ahsa where observers were able to see it at sunrise for two minutes and 59 seconds. — SG