Crowds of skywatchers across North America gathered to watch the first total solar eclipse in seven years, celebrated with cheers, music and even matrimony during the midday twilight of Monday, the 8th of April, as the sun was eclipsed, reports Reuters.
It was the first total eclipse to cross a wide area of North America since 2017, and the next one won’t be visible until 2045.
Eclipse fans travelled from far and wide, hoping to catch a glimpse of the phenomenon somewhere along the “path of totality”, which stretched 4 000 km from Mexico’s Pacific coast through Texas and across 14 other US states to Canada.
The first eclipse was observed in the Mexican west coast city of Mazatlán at 11:07 a.m. local time.
If I had 10 tries, I couldn’t have timed this hyperlapse more perfectly than this.
Because of the clouds obscuring the corona, this is probably the best shot in all of Mazatlan of the event.
Mazatlan eclipse. pic.twitter.com/TUHiBOpP7P
— Dr Manhattva (@Manhattva) April 8, 2024
In Russellville, Arkansas, nearly 400 couples took part in a massive wedding event called “Elope at the Eclipse” to celebrate the solar eclipse.
Despite overcast skies, around 2 000 people gathered in Niagara Falls Park, where at least two weddings and one proposal took place.
People’s excitement peaked when the clouds briefly parted to reveal the last 30 seconds of the total solar eclipse, prompting cheers and shouts of delight.
Today Solar Eclipse, April 8, 3.08pm. Niagara Falls, ON??It was unreal experience for me, amazing ? pic.twitter.com/QU5997DKn5
— Jot (@Anmoljot_00) April 8, 2024
Across the river in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, 309 people, including participants from places such as Singapore and London, gathered dressed as the Sun, setting a new world record as the largest group to wear solar costumes in one place, according to the competition organisers.
Check out the scenes from the boat!#NiagaraFalls #SolarEclipse #EclipseNiagara pic.twitter.com/upaWtRz79J
— Niagara Falls Canada (@NiagaraFalls) April 8, 2024
A couple got engaged during CNN’s live coverage of the total solar eclipse in Stowe, Vermont. A CNN reporter was present at the emotional moment and millions of people witnessed it with their own eyes.
The #proposal seen round’ the world! Congratulations to the happy couple and thanks for raising the bar for every relationship EVER. ??#Eclipse2024 @CNN pic.twitter.com/DkNCJccHRl
— Derek Van Dam (@VanDamCNN) April 9, 2024
Monday’s total eclipse, which lasted up to four minutes and 28 seconds in some places, surpassed the duration of the 2017 eclipse, which lasted up to two minutes and 42 seconds.
Follow, follow the Sun / And which way the wind blows / When this day is done ?
Today, April 8, 2024, the last total solar #eclipse until 2045 crossed North America. pic.twitter.com/YH618LeK1j
— NASA (@NASA) April 8, 2024
The total eclipse was accompanied by several strange eclipse effects. Stars twinkled at midday as dusk suddenly fell, temperatures dropped and faint “shadow band” waves began to flicker across the landscape.
Birds and other wildlife became silent and still during this unusual celestial event.
Also read: VIDEO | Millions across North America look forward to a total solar eclipse
Follow us on Facebook and X!