The Best Total Solar Eclipse Photos (2024)

Apr 9, 2024 - 16:20 Updated: Apr 9, 2024 - 16:25

The Best Total Solar Eclipse Photos (2024)

A total solar eclipse passed over North America on Monday, putting on a dramatic show that was visible to millions of people.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, completely blocking the sun’s face. Those within the path of totality, including 32 million people in the United States, saw the eclipse in its full splendor. People outside the path were still able to see a partial solar eclipse, where the moon blocks only part of the sun’s face.

Many people traveled to the path of totality to attend special viewing parties. Those along the very center line of the path saw an eclipse that lasted between 3½ and 4 minutes, according to NASA.

For many Americans, this was the last chance to see a total solar eclipse for 20 years. The next one won’t be visible across the contiguous United States until August 2044.

People gather on the National Mall in Washington, DC, to view the eclipse.

The moon covers the sun during the eclipse in Magog, Quebec.

The Baily's Beads effect and red prominences coming off the sun are pictured during the eclipse as seen from Magog.

Melissa and Michael Richards use solar goggles to watch the eclipse in Wooster, Ohio.

The eclipse is seen from the Amistad National Recreational Area in Del Rio, Texas. It is one of the few National Park Service sites that was directly in the eclipse's path of totality.