North America was swept up in eclipse fever on Monday as millions gathered to witness a mesmerizing celestial event, offering both commercial opportunities and scientific intrigue, not to mention a reason to celebrate.
The Moon’s shadow cast a spell of total darkness along Mexico’s Pacific coast at 11:07 am local time (1807 GMT), racing across the United States at remarkable speed before vanishing over Canada’s Atlantic coast nearly an hour and a half later.
Festivals, viewing parties, and even mass weddings dotted the “path of totality,” where lucky spectators could behold the Sun entirely obscured by the Moon, if the weather permitted. Unfortunately, clouds marred the view in parts of Texas.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador personally witnessed the eclipse from Mazatlan in Sinaloa, calling it a “beautiful, unforgettable day.”
Meanwhile, thousands gathered in Mexico City, though they were just outside the path of totality. “These are opportunities gifted by nature that we must embrace,” said Mariana Juarez, a 29-year-old artist.
This year’s path of totality stretched 115 miles (185 kilometers) wide and encompassed nearly 32 million Americans, with an additional 150 million residing within 200 miles of the path.
The next total solar eclipse visible across much of North America won’t occur until 2044.
Businesses eagerly seized the moment with special events, while accommodations in prime viewing spots were booked solid months in advance.
At Stonehenge II park in Texas, eclipse enthusiasts from around the globe gathered, erupting in cheers as totality took hold.
Jeni Lyn Hunter, 57, and her husband Charles Guillory, 60, journeyed from Floresville, Texas, identifying as “pagans” and donning Merlin hats. For Hunter, battling stage four cancer, the eclipse symbolized a rebirth of life.
In Russellville, Arkansas, over 300 couples prepared to exchange vows at the “A Total Eclipse of the Heart” mass wedding ceremony.
Delta Airlines scheduled two special flights along the eclipse’s path, while many schools in the region closed for the day.
