Bermudians got a better than expected glimpse yesterday of what could be seen here of a solar eclipse, when the moon slides between the sun and the earth.

The sun was transformed into a brilliant crescent about 65 percent blocked by the moon.

In Bermuda it was a partial eclipse. But observers within a 145-mile-wide path stretching from El Paso, Texas through Toledo, Ohio and much of New England saw the moon pass directly in front of the sun, darkening their towns and leaving a blazing ring of fire visible on Earth in what was a rare annular eclipse.

Those who peered through cameras with dark filters or watched a projection screen set up by the Bermuda Astronomical Society at City Hall could see the eclipse from about 12.30 p.m. on. It peaked just before 3.30 p.m.

Society member Mr. Harold Molyneaux' telescope and projection screen at City Hall, though overshadowed at first by the Nelson Mandela celebrations, attracted dozens of observers.

"It was something to see,'' said Mrs. Dorothea Butterfield. "It was interesting to look at on the screen because you see can see so much more. You can't really see it with a naked eye.'' Mr. Molyneaux said: "We thought it would be about 60 percent blocked by the moon so it was better than expected. I'm glad the weather held up because it was supposed to rain.'' Society vice-president Mr. Eddie McGonagle noted the last solar eclipse in Bermuda was in July, 1992.

A lunar eclipse should occur here in two weeks, he said.

On the US East Coast, eclipse observers saw the sun 80 percent blocked by the moon, overseas news agency reports said.

At its midday peak in El Paso, where it was a full annular eclipse, it appeared to be early dusk.

"All the nocturnal animals come out and certain plants close up. It's quite something,'' Mr. McGonagle said.

The United States will not see another annular eclipse until the year 2012.