08 April 2024 , 18:17
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Stunning pictures from the total solar eclipse on Monday captured the rare celestial event that captivated millions across North America today.
The phenomenon swept across the continent, casting a shadow from Mexico through the US and into Canada. Lasting up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds in certain areas, the eclipse created a stunning display for observers lucky enough to be in its path.
The journey of darkness began along Mexico's Pacific coast around 2pm EDT, marking the first location in continental North America to witness totality. The phenomenon was then visible from parts of Texas, with Dallas experiencing totality.
Areas in Mexico experienced totality first (AP)READ MORE: Solar eclipse 2024 live updates: NASA to launch rockets during rare event visible to millions
After continuing to move across the path of totality the eclipse bid farewell as it exited the continent via Canada's Atlantic coast. The weather forecast presented a challenge, particularly for parts of Texas, where clouds obstructed the view. However, some onlookers in Austin, Texas described themselves as "lucky" as the skies cleared.
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“We are really lucky,” said resident Susan Robertson. “Even with the clouds, it is kind of nice because when it clears up, it is like wow.”
People in Mazatlan, Mexico got the first glimpse of the eclipse (AP)Viewers at Niagara Falls were also disappointed to see the sky filled with clouds on the rare event but signaled that hope had not evaporated. One couple, Brian and Mary Sandifer said they trekked more than seven hours for a glimpse of the total eclipse at Niagara Falls State Park.
They claimed to be feeling "excitement and a little disappointment" because of the cloudy weather.
People watch as the moon partially covers the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Eagle Pass, Texas (AP)“We’re just looking forward to how everything is supposed to get dark like nightfall. I think that’ll be pretty exciting,” Brian said. “It’s fun. It’s exciting. There are a lot of people gathered around, and so we’re excited.”
“Even if we don’t get to see the whole total eclipse, we’ll have gotten to see Niagara Falls, and it’s beautiful,” Mary concluded.
A total of fifteen US states had the opportunity to witness the full eclipse, although only small portions of Tennessee and Michigan fell within the path of totality. The duration of totality varied depending on location, with the moon's shadow casting a 115-mile-wide swath across the Earth.
Brian and Mary Sandifer travelled seven hours to Niagara Falls State Park (Jeremiah Hassel for Daily Mirror)For all the latest news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US
While not everyone experienced the full spectacle, practically all of North America had a chance to catch at least a partial eclipse. In anticipation of the influx of visitors, some counties, like Kerr County in Texas, issued disaster declarations to secure additional support for policing and other services. The normal population of Kerr County, for example, was expected to double or even triple during the event.