... The eclipse was unusual in that it was a hybrid -- parts of the Earth saw the Moon as too angularly small to cover the whole Sun, and so at maximum coverage left the Sun surrounded by a ring a fire , while other parts of the Earth saw the Moon as large enough to cover the entire Sun, and so at maximum coverage witnessed a total solar eclipse . ... Pictured above, the famous Empire State Building in New York City is seen to the left of the partially eclipsed Sun , adorned with scenic clouds. ...