Millions of people spanning Mexico, the US, and Canada cast their gaze skyward on Monday to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of a total solar eclipse tracing a slender path of darkness across the continent.
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This celestial drama unfolded as the moon gradually obscured the sun, first casting its shadow upon the Pacific Ocean before journeying across Mexico, where onlookers marveled as daylight turned to an eerie twilight.
As the eclipse swept over the border into the United States, it enveloped vast swathes of Texas, including bustling cities like Austin and Dallas.
Unlike many total solar eclipses that occur in remote locales, this event graced populous areas, captivating residents across three countries.
While Washington DC and New York City were not within the eclipse’s direct path, both cities experienced a significant coverage of the sun, with approximately 90% obscured by the moon. Streets and skyscrapers became impromptu observatories as crowds gathered to witness the celestial spectacle.
Observers were treated to the rare sight of the sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, typically obscured by its intense brightness. Some lucky viewers even caught sight of solar prominences—flares extending from the sun’s surface—adding to the breathtaking display.
In Canada, stargazers had the final opportunity to witness the event before the eclipse journeyed across the Atlantic Ocean, disappearing from view.
