Photos from total solar eclipse show awe as moon covers sun

Millions of people across America gathered Monday and watched in awe as the moon covered the sun in a total solar eclipse.

More than 31 million people live in the path of totality, and much more flew or drove to see the show in person. The path of totality began over the Pacific Ocean before crossing parts of Mexico. It entered the United States at Texas and continued northeast through more than a dozen states before crossing into Canada.

THE next total solar eclipse which will be visible from the contiguous United States will not be visible until August 23, 2044.

The longest duration of totality during Monday’s eclipse was 4 minutes and 28 seconds, near Torreón, Mexico, according to NASA.

One of the first stops in the United States was Eagle Pass, Texas. The state was a major hot spot for eclipse watchers. Ahead of the event, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, known as ERCOT, which provides solar service to 90% of the state, warned the an eclipse would affect solar production in Texas between 12:10 p.m. and 3:10 p.m. CDT.

When the eclipse began and the moon began to cover the sun, the sun was shaped like a crescent. Little by little, more and more of the sun is covered until the eclipse reaches totality. During totality, viewers in many locations were able to see a corona, the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere.

The couples also exchanged vows during a mass eclipse marriage in Russellville, Arkansas. The event was called the Total Eclipse of the Heart festival. Hundreds of couples gathered for this special event.

People also took to the skies during the eclipse, boarding special flights along the path of totality. Delta offered flights from Austin to Detroit and a second route from Dallas to Detroit. Passengers were given specialized glasses to be able to observe the eclipse safely.

Southwest Airlines also offered eclipse flights, with glasses provided to passengers.

Some viewers donned red, green and blue to view the eclipse. As the moon obscured the sunlight, it changed the way people saw colors, NPR reported. Colors with longer wavelengths appeared darker while colors with shorter wavelengths had “a chance to shine.”

Spectators also headed outside in large crowds to view the eclipse outside of the path of totality. Many looked in New York, where there was a partial eclipse covering almost 90% of the sun.

Lawmakers also appreciated the eclipse. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was spotted wearing eclipse glasses at the US Capitol. Before the eclipse, the White House released a short video of President Biden wearing his eclipse glasses and encouraging Americans to enjoy the view. “But don’t be stupid, folks: be careful and wear safety glasses,” the post reads. said.

Viewers also enjoyed seeing the sky darken as the moon hid the sun in Canada. The eclipse crossed Canada before leaving mainland North America off the coast of Newfoundland.

An eerie glow appeared as the moon blocked the sun during totality, briefly plunging daylight into darkness.

Some were able to admire the view from the stadiums. Players looked up before the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Fans also enjoyed the eclipse experience before a game between the Miami Marlins and New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium, which was postponed until after the eclipse.

The eclipse also caused traffic jams in some areas.

Some people made sure their pets I had fun. Here, a dog looks at the view through eclipse glasses in New York’s Bryant Park.

The eclipse path of totality stretching from Mexico, through 15 US states and finally into Canada. The photo below shows the view from Magog, Quebec, Canada, as the 2024 eclipse draws to a close.