A total solar eclipse — nicknamed the Great North American Eclipse for its long path over North America — was visible in the sky on April 8 over parts of Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada. For the second time, in the past decade, we could see a total solar eclipse. 

Throughout the day at different times in North America, tens of millions of people were treated to stunning views as the moon passed between Earth and the sun and temporarily blocked the sun’s light.

The excitement of the solar eclipse grazed across the United States as schools, companies and businesses stopped what they were doing and hosted watch parties to view this rare sighting. However, all eclipse viewers needed to avoid staring directly into the sun during the eclipse. All viewers had to put on protective eye equipment to see the moon going over the sun accurately, and numerous people took pictures with their cameras to document the experience with the glasses covering the camera holes. 

As the solar eclipse unfolded, the Great North American Eclipse united communities around North America to celebrate all that was happening in the world. Amidst the collective excitement, safety precautions underscored the importance of cherishing such rare events responsibly. As the sun reclaimed its prominence in the sky, the memories and photographs captured during this fleeting moment will linger, reminding us this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for people to see.