Millions in the path of totality of Monday’s total solar eclipse were enthralled as it traversed the United States from Texas to Maine.
The path of totality for the eclipse goes from Eagle Pass, Texas, to Caribou, Maine, and will engulf parts of the U.S. in darkness at various times from roughly 2:40 p.m. Eastern time to 3:34 p.m. Eastern time.
The first views of the eclipse came in Mexico early afternoon Eastern time, with the eclipse slated to cross over the contiguous U.S. throughout the afternoon. NASA has streams of the eclipse as it goes across the country and puts millions in temporary midday darkness.
Take it all in.
— NASA (@NASA) April 8, 2024
We're getting our first views of the 2024 total solar #eclipse as its shadow makes landfall in Mazatlán, Mexico. pic.twitter.com/FdAACmQGkm
Most U.S. cities not in the path of totality will still get a partial eclipse. Washington, D.C., is not in the path of totality, but the eclipse will be partially visible in the nation’s Capital from 2:04 p.m. Eastern time to 4:32 p.m. Eastern time. Washington will get 87% of the sun covered by the moon at its peak at 3:20 p.m. EDT.
People gathered for a practice round ahead of the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, got a glimpse of the partial eclipse.
As with any other day, looking directly at the sun without proper protection can cause damage to one’s vision. NASA advises that viewers of the eclipse wear “solar viewing glasses” when viewing the eclipse.
For those under the path of totality, it is only safe to look at the sun without protection during the peak part of the eclipse, but experts advise that protection be used for the duration of the eclipse.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
President Joe Biden advised citizens to “play it safe” and use protective eyewear to view the eclipse, in an apparent jab at former President Donald Trump — who infamously stared at the sun during a solar eclipse in 2017.
The next solar eclipse in the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044, over parts of North Dakota and Montana, followed by an Aug. 12, 2045, eclipse, which will go across the continent as it goes over Florida, Mississippi, Colorado, Nevada, and Northern California.
