America’s total eclipse, how the spectacle unfolded
DARKNESS fell across America last night as a total solar eclipse swept over the country for the first time in 99 years.
Millions gathered in fields, small towns, cities and on mountaintops to witness the stunning spectacle.
A 70-mile wide, 2,500-mile long strip across 14 states from Oregon in the west to South Carolina in the east was shrouded in darkness as it moved east.
Crowds – many of whom had driven for hours to find optimal viewing spots – cheered with delight as the Moon blocked the Sun’s light.
Salem in Oregon reached “totality” at 6.15pm British time while total darkness engulfed Casper in Wyoming – thought by astronomers to be one of the best places to watch the eclipse – at 6.35pm.
Charleston, in South Carolina, was the final place to experience a total eclipse.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania watched from the White House.
But in Britain, thick clouds blocked the chance to catch a glimpse of a partial eclipse that was supposed to reach our shores at around 8pm.
Forecasters warned that even if conditions were perfect, the Moon would only block out 4 per cent of the Sun’s light.