A total solar eclipse, experienced by millions of observers in parts of Mexico, the United States, and Canada, has completed its path across North America.
In the U.S., about 32 million people were in the path of totality (when the moon completely covers the sun), and a total solar eclipse was visible in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, although the weather spoiled the fun for some.
Americans had eagerly awaited and planned for this eclipse for months. People changed their routines on this Monday (8), with schools letting out children early and businesses stopping work to witness the phenomenon. Some even decided to get married during the moment when the moon covered the sun. In Russellville, Arkansas, hundreds of couples were married in a mass ceremony. When the moon completely blocked the sun, some of the couples cried, embraced, and kissed, contemplating the total eclipse in silence.
When will there be another total solar eclipse in the U.S.?
The next total solar eclipse will be in August 2026, according to NASA. It will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and a small area of Portugal.
Another total solar eclipse will be visible again in the U.S. only in August 2044.
However, there will be an annular eclipse much sooner, visible in South America, NASA says. An annular eclipse occurs when the Moon is a bit farther away and cannot completely cover the Sun even when it is directly between it and the Earth – in these cases, the Sun forms a “golden ring” around the Moon at the peak of the eclipse. This will happen in October 2024.
Source: CNN