On April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse captured the attention of millions across North America, stretching from Mazatlán, Mexico, to Newfoundland. This celestial event, where the moon completely covers the sun, darkened skies and created a moment of awe from the Pacific coast of Mexico to the eastern edges of Canada. The phenomenon was observed in various ways, from community gatherings in state parks and city rooftops to dedicated viewing flights and scientific observation setups.

In Mexico, residents and visitors in Mazatlán experienced the eclipse’s start, with crowds in Torreón and beyond partaking in the spectacle, some even dressing for the occasion. The United States saw its path cross through 15 states, including Illinois, where people in Carbondale celebrated with themed dances. The event also passed over Texas, where residents like 105-year-old LaVerne Biser, witnessing his 13th solar eclipse, showcased the enduring fascination with such cosmic occurrences.

The eclipse offered a view of the sun’s corona and, depending on location, sunspots during its stages. Enthusiasts and casual observers alike were advised to don eclipse safety glasses to safely enjoy the view. Notably, this event marked a rare moment of widespread accessibility to a total solar eclipse across densely populated regions, with an estimated 44 million people positioned within the path of totality.

Photography from the day documented the gradual coverage of the sun by the moon, capturing the profound effect of day briefly turning to dusk. Audiences from Mazatlán, Mexico, to Kingston, Ontario, shared in the collective experience, with some using telescopes and others relying on the naked eye, protected by safety filters.

Experts highlight the occasion’s rarity, noting that total solar eclipses occur every 11 to 18 months worldwide, but rarely with such a broad and accessible viewing path across heavily populated areas. The last similar event in the U.S. happened in 2017, with the next not expected until 2045.

The 2024 Great American Eclipse, as it’s been dubbed, has underscored the universal appeal and wonder of astronomical events, uniting people across countries in a shared moment of darkness and light.