Millions of people gathered Monday to watch a rare total eclipse cross the northern United States, from Mexico to Canada through the United States, a spectacular celestial event temporarily plunging the day into darkness. In city after city, the cries of amazed crowds followed NASA's live video broadcast, broadcast from multiple locations along the path of the eclipse.
“One of the most moving events”
In the United States alone, more than 30 million people live in the area where it could have been visible, for a few minutes at most, according to the American space agency. The event represents an economic opportunity for many regions receiving an influx of tourists, and for scientists.
“A total eclipse is one of the most emotional events we can experience
,” wrote NASA astronomer Jane Rigby.
“Be present. Forget your devices. Don't try to save it. Just be present. Soak it up. Cry. Laugh.”
“It was great, I loved it
,” Gary Christensen, a lawyer who traveled from the state of Oregon to the small Texas town of Ingram to attend the event, told AFP. . Despite the clouds on site, visitors were able to perceive the eclipse for a few moments.