Total Solar Eclipse 2024 photos: Millions across US, Mexico marvel at solar spectacle

The eclipse will first appear over the South Pacific Ocean and begin its journey across North America. Mexico's Pacific coast is the first point of totality on the path, expected at 11:07 am local time (2:07 pm ET), and the eclipse is expected to end on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland at 5:16 pm local time (3:46 pm ET). (Picture credit: AP)

US space agency Nasa stressed that it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing. "Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun's bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing," it said. ( Picture credit: AP)

It further stated that viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury. (Picture credit: Reuters)

In Georgetown, Texas, the clouds cleared just in time for fans to have a good look. In other places, the eclipse played peek-a-boo with the clouds. “We are really lucky,” said Georgetown resident Susan Robertson. (Image credit: AP)

As nightfall descended in Rushville, Indiana, locals gathered on porches and sidewalks cheered and applauded as the street lights illuminated the area. (Image credit: AP)

The total solar eclipse of 2024 is worth taking some time to stop and witness the historic celestial event because it won't be visible across the contiguous US again until August 2044 and an annular eclipse which happens when the moon can't completely block the sun-- won't appear across this part of the world again until 2046. (Picture credit: Reuters)

For some, eclipse day coincided with their wedding day. Couples exchanged vows at a large ceremony at a park in Trenton, Ohio. (Image credit: AP)

NASA emphasised that the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury, adding, "Do NOT look at the Sun through a camera lens, telescope, binoculars, or any other optical device while wearing eclipse glasses or using a handheld solar viewer." (Picture credit: Reuters)

The Total Solar Eclipse is set to grace selected regions of Mexico, the United States and Canada, and will offer a rare opportunity for viewers to anticipate a multitude of awe-inspiring moments as it won't appear across this part of the world again until 2046. (Picture credit: AP)

A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun, according to the Nasa. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. (Picture credit: AP)

At up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds, this one lasted longer than the total eclipse that streaked across parts of the United States in 2017, which clocked in at up to 2 minutes and 42 seconds. (Picture credit: Reuters)