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.

People watch a total solar eclipse as the sky goes dark in Mazatlan, Mexico, Monday, April 8, 2024.Image source, Fernando Llano/AP
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Mazatlan in Mexico was the first to experience totality

A total solar eclipse is seen from Mazatlan, Mexico April 8, 2024.Image source, Jeff Overs/BBC
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The Moon perfectly blocked the Sun

A kid watches the eclipse from the beach on April 08, 2024 in Mazatlan, Mexico.Image source, Hector Vivas/Getty Image
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Children paused their beach play to watch in Mexico

People use special protective glasses to observe a total solar eclipse in Mazatlan, Mexico April 8, 2024.Image source, Henry Romero/Reuters
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People used special protective glasses to observe the event

A partial solar eclipse is seen from Mazatlan, Mexico April 8, 2024.Image source, Henry Romero/Reuters
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Tens of millions watched as day turned to night

A youngster and a woman prepare their telescopes as people gather and wait to observe a total solar eclipse in Mazatlan, Mexico April 8, 2024.Image source, Henry Romero/Reuters
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Thousands gathered early in preparation for the event

Clouds roll by as the beginning phase of a total solar eclipse is visible from Arlington, Texas, Monday, April 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)Image source, Julio Cortez/AP
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Clouds rolled by as the beginning phase became visible from Arlington, Texas

Sun spots are seen during the beginning phase of a total solar eclipse, Monday, April 8, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.Image source, Julio Cortez/AP
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The clouds parted for some clearer views

Debbie Ward looks to the sky during the total solar eclipse, where the moon blots out the sun, at Wheelock Academy, in Millerton, OK, U.S. April 8, 2024.Image source, Leah Millis/Reuters
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Observers in Oklahoma were also plunged into darkness

Visitors watch the solar eclipse move into totality during an eclipse viewing event in Bloomington, IndianaImage source, Chet Strange/Bloomberg via Getty Images
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People gathered in wonder in the US state of Indiana

The moon eclipses the sun during a total solar eclipse across North America, in Bloomington, Indiana, on April 8, 2024.Image source, JOSH EDELSON/Getty Images
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This year's path of totality was 115 miles (185 kilometres) wide and home to nearly 32 million Americans

Couples view the solar eclipse during totality at a mass wedding at the Total Eclipse of the Heart festival on April 8, 2024 in Russellville, Arkansas.Image source, Mario Tama/Getty Images
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Couples wed at the Total Eclipse of the Heart festival in Russellville, Arkansas

People assemble to view a partial solar eclipse, where the moon will partially blot out the sun, at Times Square in New York City, U.S. April 8, 2024. REUTERS/Shannon StapletonImage source, Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
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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

The sky darkens as people watch during totality of the total solar eclipse across North America, at Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, New York, on April 8, 2024.Image source, ANGELA WEISS/Getty images
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A heavy cloud cover was over Niagara Falls as the sky got darker

The moon begins to eclipse the sun during a total solar eclipse across North America, at Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, New York, on April 8, 2024.Image source, ANGELA WEISS/Getty Images
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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