A total solar eclipse passed over North America on April 8, creating a path of totality that cast parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada in darkness.
About 31 million people live along the path of totality and witnessed the total eclipse, while the majority of Americans saw at least a partial eclipse.
The next total solar eclipse to occur in the contiguous U.S. won't be until Aug. 23, 2044, and will only shadow three states in its path, Montana and North and South Dakota, according to NASA.
The next year, on Aug. 12, 2045, a total solar eclipse will span coast to coast, according to NASA. The far-reaching path of totality will cover parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Georgia, the agency reports.
Adding to the decades-away excitement, since the 2044 and 2045 eclipses are slated for August, the summer season increases the likelihood of clear, cloudless skies during the event.
Internationally, on Aug. 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse is set to sweep over the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland, Atlantic Ocean, Portugal and northern Spain, according to the National Solar Observatory.
The total solar eclipse reached the final U.S. state as those in northern Maine observed the sun be covered by the moon under clear skies.
In Colebrook, New Hampshire, Monday’s total solar eclipse was captured in rare form. The sun’s corona shined behind the traveling moon during totality, creating a bright, glowing crown for eclipse viewers.
The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor is seen in the path of the partial solar eclipse. In New York State, the path of totality spans 124 miles across 29 counties.
A total solar eclipse is passing over North America on April 8, creating a path of totality that will cast some parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada in darkness.
During a total solar eclipse, which is a rare celestial event, the moon passes between the sun and Earth. The moon slowly covers and, for a brief period, completely blocks the face of the sun.
In the U.S., the path of totality begins in Texas and will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Some parts of Tennessee and Michigan will also experience the total solar eclipse, according to NASA.
April 8’s solar eclipse will be the last of its kind to occur in North America for the next 20 years. There will not be another total solar eclipse in North America again until 2044.
The best time to view totality will depend on where you are in the U.S. In Eagle Pass, Texas, totality will occur at 1:27 p.m. CDT and last 4 minutes and 23 seconds. In Presque Isle, Maine, totality will occur at 3:32 p.m. EDT and last 2 minutes and 47 seconds.