Total solar eclipse: Millions in North America witness rare phenomenon

People around Eagle Pass, Texas were the first to get under the Moon’s shadow and see the rare phenomenon.

The total solar eclipse that swept across Mexico, the United States and Canada has completed its journey over continental North America.

In the US, a total solar eclipse was visible in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, where an estimated 32 million people live. 

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Sun and the Earth, completely blocking our view of the Sun and casting a shadow on Earth. There are three types of solar eclipses – namely partial, annular and total. 

Depending on how much the Sun has covered the moon determines if you see the three types of solar eclipse. When the moon blocks some of the sun, it’s a partial solar eclipse, but when the moon lines up with the sun, blocking all of its light that’s when total solar eclipse. 

Several factors go into enjoying a total solar eclipse and according to NASA viewers need clear skies to ensure the phenomenon isn't blocked by clouds, and only those within the path of totality will see the full effect of the sun being blotted out. 

Those outside the path of totality can still observe a partial eclpse, when the moon covers some, but not all, of the sun. 

The Total eclipse will be expected to be visible again in August 2044 in the Northern America.