In pics | Total Solar Eclipse 2024: Astronomical event leaves millions across North America in awe

Millions of skywatchers across North American countries like the United States, Canada, and Mexico gathered to watch the astronomical spectacle on Monday (Apr 8) afternoon with cheers and music as they witnessed the first total solar eclipse to darken the continent in seven years.

Image shows a total solar eclipse from Eagle Pass, Texas, U.S. April 8, 2024. 

Millions were set to watch the total solar eclipse across North America.

The last total solar eclipse visible from North America was in 2017 and if you missed this one you can catch the next one in 2033, but only over the US state of Alaska. 

From a beach resort in Mexico to the Niagara Falls at the US-Canada border the crowds were seen with expressions of awe and joy at the sight of "totality," the area where the Moon fully blocks out the Sun.

Around 2,000 people had gathered at the Niagara Falls State Park, which witnessed the rare phenomenon and at least two weddings and one proposal, reported Reuters. 

Image shows tourists looking at the Horseshoe Falls, ahead of the total solar eclipse on April 8, at Niagara Falls, New York, United States, April 7, 2024.

The eclipse’s path of totality stretched from Mazatlán, Mexico to Newfoundland, an area that crosses 15 states in the US, which is home to 44 million people. 

Image shows a partial solar eclipse over New York City, United States, April 8, 2024. 

Thousands gathered at Mexico's beachside resort town of Mazatlan as it was the first major viewing spot for totality wearing protective eyewear as an orchestra played the "Star Wars" movie theme, reported Reuters. When the eclipse reached totality the crowds were seen cheering and whistling. 

Image shows people using special protective glasses to observe a total solar eclipse in Mazatlan, Mexico April 8, 2024.

The total solar eclipse briefly plunged Mexico's northern region into darkness. 

Image shows a total solar eclipse from Mazatlán, Mexico, on 8 April 2024.

Image shows people gathered on the observation deck of Edge at Hudson Yards before a partial solar eclipse in New York City, New York, United States, April 8, 2024.

Image shows a partial solar eclipse over from Eagle Pass, Texas, United States, April 8, 2024. 

People from across the US state of Indiana and beyond gathered at the Indy 500 racetrack on Monday (Apr 8) to witness the total solar eclipse in an event sponsored by NASA and Purdue University at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Image shows the progression of a partial solar eclipse over the Washington Monument in Washington DC, United States, on April 8, 2024. (Photo: X/@NASA/Bill Ingalls)