Millions in North America experienced the moon obscuring the sun during a total solar eclipse, marking a rare event with the US next expecting a coast-to-coast spectacle in 2045
Millions of people in North America watched as the total solar eclipse unfolded and incredible footage documents the moment the Moon covered the Sun before revealing it again, creating a unique sight.
Crowds of spectators gathered along the Pacific coast, tracing the eclipse’s path as it raced from Mexico across the US and eastern Canada before vanishing into the Atlantic.
The eclipse’s path of totality stretched from Mazatlán, Mexico to Newfoundland, an area that crosses 15 US states and is home to 44 million people. Revelers were engulfed in darkness at state parks, on city rooftops and in small towns.
The moon partially covers the sun as the eclipse is seen from Mazatlan, Mexico (
AP)
The Mirror’s Jeremiah Hassel reported from Niagara Falls State Park, where more 1,000 onlookers gathered to witness the celestial event. He recounted how, as the total solar eclipse neared, the temperature plummeted, and birds settled down “as if to turn in for the night.”
“At exactly 3.20pm EDT, the moon completely covered the sun. In a matter of seconds, the sky darkened, and night fell over the park as buildings on the Canadian side began to light up. It was as if dusk had fallen early.
“The crowd oohed and ahhed, clapping and cheering as the eclipse occurred. For a few moments, things were still as a mesmerized crowd observed the rare celestial phenomenon.
“Then it was as if the sun was rising again – rays of sunshine spilled through the clouds that still covered the skies above the park, and light returned to the area as people cheered once again. The eclipse was over.”
The US Capitol Building is visible as people view the partial solar eclipse on Capitol Hill (
Getty Images)
Most of those in North America, but not in the direct path, still witnessed a partial eclipse, with the moon transforming the sun into a fiery crescent. Totality’s first stop on land cast Mazatlán’s sparkling beaches into darkness before continuing northeast toward Eagle Pass, Texas, one of its first stops in the US.
Total solar eclipses happen somewhere around the world every 11 to 18 months, but they don’t often cross paths with millions of people. The US last got a taste in 2017, and won’t again see a coast-to-coast spectacle until 2045.
The sun and the moon align completely during the total solar eclipse (
Getty Images)
Viewers shared the feelings that the unique celestial event has left them with – and it’s nothing short of euphoria. One woman, Sandra, traveled from Bethesda, Maryland to Buffalo for a passport appointment, which coincidentally allowed her to see the eclipse from the magnificent Niagara Falls.
