The July 22, 2009, total solar eclipse created a brilliant "diamond ring" effect over Patna, India, as seen from an aircraft. The eclipse darkened the skies over parts of the country just after dawn.

Diamond rings appear when the sun is almost completely covered by the moon or is just emerging from behind it, as seen from Earth. Mountains, valleys, and other features on the moon make its edges ragged. This causes light from the sun behind it to form bright beads, creating the glittering effect.