Across North America, crowds gathered to witness a rare celestial event as a total solar eclipse cast its shadow on Monday, marking the first such occurrence in seven years.
From a Mexican beach resort where the eclipse made landfall to the banks of the Ohio River and beyond to Niagara Falls at the U.S.-Canadian border, skywatchers marveled at the spectacle with cheers, music, and even matrimony.
In Russellville, Arkansas, nearly 400 couples exchanged vows under the eclipse’s shadow in a mass wedding event called “Elope and the Eclipse.”
Meanwhile, at Niagara Falls State Park, despite cloudy skies, two weddings and a marriage proposal added to the magic of the moment for the gathered 2,000 people.
As the eclipse reached totality, the crowd erupted in awe and joy, shouting praises for the breathtaking sight.
A band serenaded the retreat of the lunar shadow with a rendition of R.E.M.’s “Man on the Moon,” adding to the festive atmosphere.
Across the border in Niagara Falls, Ontario, a record-breaking 309 people dressed as the sun, setting a new world record for the largest solar costume gathering.
Participants from around the globe, including Singapore and London, joined in this celestial celebration, highlighting the unity and wonder sparked by this rare astronomical event.
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