'Ring of fire' eclipse delights stargazers

SARMIENTO, ARGENTINA - Stargazers applauded as they were plunged into darkness on Sunday when the moon passed in front of the sun in a spectacular "ring of fire" eclipse.

Astronomers and enthusiasts in Argentina were among the first to see the so-called annular eclipse as it crossed South America, on course for Africa.

Staring up through telescopes, protective glasses or homemade cardboard pinhole devices, they watched the sun all but disappear briefly as the moon crossed its path.