The planetarium had put out telescopes, solar filter screens and pin hole projections.

'It is completely fascinating and so beautiful to see. I thank god for I am lucky to watch it. The next total solar eclipse will take place only after 123 years,' said Nikhil Gupta, a Class 10 student of Springdales School.

There was serpentine queue at the Nehru Planetarium counter selling solar goggles.

'We did not expect such a huge turnout. We sold 4,700 solar goggles. It was a beautiful sight and nobody wanted miss it,' said M.K. Jain, an official at the planetarium.

Some students were carrying solar filters prepared especially by them to have a glimpse of the eclipse.

Shruti Dasgupta, a Class 9 student of Ahlcon Public School, said: 'We were trained to make solar filters during a workshop and I have made the filters using an exposed filter film. I am excited for its the first and final time I am watching a total solar eclipse.'

Many foreign nationals were present at the planetarium with their sophisticated cameras and gadgets to watch the eclipse.

'I made up my plan to watch the eclipse Tuesday evening when I saw so much over TV channels. I got up at 4 a.m. and came all the way from Gurgaon to watch the eclipse. However, I was disappointed as clouds covered the sky but finally sun came out and it was amazing,' said Tine Rice, a British national.

'I am lucky then my other country men for I am in Delhi on a business trip and was able to watch the eclipse,' said an excited Mitt Ayrp, a German national.