Eclipse 2024 pictures: An eerie darkness descends

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Thousands of people witnessed a celestial spectacle that plunged parts of North America into momentary darkness.

Image source, Fernando Llano/AP
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Mazatlan in Mexico was the first to experience totality

Image source, Jeff Overs/BBC
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The Moon perfectly blocked the Sun

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Children paused their beach play to watch in Mexico

Image source, Henry Romero/Reuters
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People used special protective glasses to observe the event

Image source, Henry Romero/Reuters
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Tens of millions watched as day turned to night

Image source, Henry Romero/Reuters
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Thousands gathered early in preparation for the event

Image source, Julio Cortez/AP
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Clouds rolled by as the beginning phase became visible from Arlington, Texas

Image source, Julio Cortez/AP
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The clouds parted for some clearer views

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Observers in Oklahoma were also plunged into darkness

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People gathered in wonder in the US state of Indiana

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This year's path of totality was 115 miles (185 kilometres) wide and home to nearly 32 million Americans

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Couples wed at the Total Eclipse of the Heart festival in Russellville, Arkansas

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While New York City wasn't in the path of totality, people could see up to 90% of the sun covered by the moon

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A heavy cloud cover was over Niagara Falls as the sky got darker

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For a brief moment the cloud cover dispersed and the sun appeared as a crescent in the sky over Niagara

More on the solar eclipse

All photos subject to copyright. Gallery compiled by Emma Lynch