Photos: Total solar eclipse sweeps across North America

moon partially covers sun
The moon partially covers the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Eagle Pass, Texas, Monday.
Eric Gay | AP

Millions across North America witnessed the moon block out the sun during a total solar eclipse Monday.

The eclipse’s path of totality stretched from Mazatlán, Mexico to Newfoundland, an area that crosses 15 U.S. states and is home to 44 million people. Revelers were engulfed in darkness at state parks, on city rooftops and in small towns.

Most of those in North America, but not in the direct path, still witnessed a partial eclipse, with the moon transforming the sun into a fiery crescent.

Totality's first stop on land cast Mazatlán's sparkling beaches into darkness before continuing northeast toward Eagle Pass, Texas, one its first stops in the U.S.

Total solar eclipses happen somewhere around the world every 11 to 18 months, but they don't often cross paths with millions of people. The U.S. last got a taste in 2017, and won’t again see a coast-to-coast spectacle until 2045.

three people watch moon
People watch as the moon partially covers the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Eagle Pass, Texas, Monday.
Eric Gay | AP
two people watch the sky
Melissa, left, and Michael Richards watch through solar goggles as the moon partially covers the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Wooster, Ohio, Monday.
Erin Hooley | AP
texas solar eclipse
The moon partially covers the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Eagle Pass, Texas, Monday.
Eric Gay | AP
a man wears glasses
Didier Timothy-Mondesir watches the solar eclipse from Prince Edward County, Ontario, Monday.
Sean Kilpatrick | AP
sky goes dark
People watch a total solar eclipse as the sky goes dark in Mazatlan, Mexico, Monday.
Fernando Llano | AP
people lay down and watch sky
People watch as the moon partially covers the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Eagle Pass, Texas, Monday.
Eric Gay | AP
sky goes dark
People watch a total solar eclipse as the sky goes dark in Mazatlan, Mexico, Monday.
Fernando Llano | AP
a man tests special glasses
A man tests special glasses in preparation for viewing an upcoming solar total eclipse in Mazatlan, Mexico, on Sunday.
Fernando Llano | AP
Total Solar Eclipse Fort Worth
The moon covers the sun during a total solar eclipse, as seen from Fort Worth, Texas, Monday.
LM Otero | AP
APTOPIX Total Solar Eclipse Mexico
People use special glasses to watch a total solar eclipse in Mazatlan, Mexico, Monday.
Fernando Llano | AP

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.