The highly anticipated total solar eclipse on Monday brought millions of spectators from Mexico to the U.S. to Canada, despite the uncertainty of cloud cover in various areas. Forecasters predicted favorable weather in locations like Vermont, Maine, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland, where the eclipse was expected to be the most spectacular. The eclipse promised to bring North America’s largest crowd ever due to the densely populated path and the allure of over four minutes of midday darkness in select spots.
As the eclipse unfolded, viewers marveled at the moon blocking the sun, creating a twilight with only the sun’s corona visible. The darkness lasted up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds, much longer than the previous coast-to-coast eclipse seven years ago. It will be another two decades before the U.S. experiences another total solar eclipse of such magnitude.
The eclipse’s path of totality stretched from the Pacific to the North Atlantic, passing through multiple U.S. states and cities, including Dallas, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Montreal. Millions of people were within the track, prompting sold-out hotels and flights as well as congested roads. Meanwhile, experts from NASA and various universities conducted research along the route, studying the eclipse’s effects and launching experiments.
Despite the need for eye protection, the eclipse drew in amateur astronomers, scientists, and curious individuals alike. The event showcased a rare celestial phenomenon that brought people together to share the unique experience.
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