The moon eclipses the sun on 8 April 2024 seen from Bloomington, Indiana. Photo: AFP / Josh Edelson
A total solar eclipse was seen by millions of people across North America.
Where there were clear skies, stargazers the direct path of the eclipse were treated to the rare spectacle of the moon appearing as a dark orb creeping in front of the sun, briefly blocking out all but a brilliant halo of light, or corona, around, the sun's outer edge.
The period of total eclipse lasted up to four-and-a-half minutes depending the observer's location.
The Mexican beachside resort town of Mazatlan was the first major viewing spot along the "path of totality", which included New York City and Niagra Falls.
Early stages of a total solar eclipse shows the moon crossing in front of the sun in Bloomington, Indiana. Photo: AFP
A young girl looks toward the sky at the 'Edge at Hudson Yards' observation deck during a solar eclipse in New York City. Photo: AFP
The diamond ring effect is seen as the moon eclipses the sun in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo: AFP/Getty Images
A member of New York State Park Police watches the partial Solar Eclipse in Niagara Falls, New York. Photo: AFP/Getty Images
The solar eclipse seen from Stowe, Vermont, on April 8, 2024. Photo: AFP
People gather at Niagara Falls State Park ahead of a total solar eclipse. Photo: AFP
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador wears special sunglasses as he observes a solar eclipse moments before totality, in Mazatlan, Sinaloa State, Mexico. Photo: AFP
The moon eclipses the sun on April 8, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo: AFP/Getty Images
A man looks toward the sky as the moon begins to partially eclipse the sun in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua State, Mexico . Photo: AFP
Reuters / RNZ