Millions of spectators across North America eagerly awaited Monday's total solar eclipse, despite forecasts calling for potential cloud cover. The eclipse, set to be the continent's biggest ever, was expected to last almost twice as long as the total eclipse in 2017, with the moon blocking out the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. The path of totality stretched from Mexico to Canada, passing over major cities like Dallas, Indianapolis, and Cleveland. An estimated 44 million people lived within the path, with hundreds of millions more within 200 miles, leading to sold-out hotels and jammed roads.

Experts from NASA and universities were stationed along the route, ready to conduct research and experiments. The International Space Station's astronauts were also set to observe the eclipse from above. Eye protection was necessary to view the eclipse safely, with proper glasses and filters recommended. For those unable to witness the event in person, NASA and the Associated Press offered live streaming coverage online.

The eclipse was due to begin in Mazatlan, Mexico, before moving through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and into the Midwest, Middle Atlantic, and New England states, finally ending in Newfoundland, Canada. The moon's close proximity to Earth was expected to make this eclipse particularly intense and long-lasting. The eclipse was a rare opportunity for North Americans to witness such a celestial event, as the next total solar eclipse of this scale was not expected for another 21 years.