Rare Total Solar Eclipse Unites Americans in Awe

On Monday, a rare total solar eclipse passed across the United States, turning the lights off as totality moved into Canada from Mexico's Pacific coast.

Key Details: As the moon's shadow passed across the U.S., major cities such as Dallas, Little Rock, Indianapolis, and New York City were engulfed in shadow in the middle of the day. Tens of millions of people looked to the sky as day turned to night along a stretch of land that was more than 4,000 miles long and 155 miles wide.

Key Quote: "As it started to get lighter the crickets were there, and the birds started singing. It was really crazy," one observer said. "I'm sad it's over."

For Context: The total solar eclipse was only the second one visible from the U.S. during the 21st century. The first was in 2017, and millions gathered to watch. The next total solar eclipse in the U.S. will be in 2044.

How the Media Covered it: Sources across the political spectrum noted that the eclipse saw Americans coming together to experience the event, bringing a sense of insignificance and solitude to many.