The best photos of the 2024 solar eclipse

People gathered to view the total solar eclipse, a rare astronomical event that won't reoccur in the US for another 20 years.

• Parts of the US, Mexico, and Canada experienced a total solar eclipse on Monday.
• Photos show large crowds gathered to witness the rare astronomical event.
• The sun's corona, or outermost atmosphere, was visible during totality.

The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, was visible from many parts of North America, with a path of totality in the US that stretched from Texas to Vermont.

People across the US gathered to witness the eclipse, employing eclipse glasses and even colanders to catch a glimpse of the rare astronomical event.

Here are the best photos of the 2024 total solar eclipse.

Cities across the US in the path of totality prepared for an influx of visitors ahead of the eclipse.

At sunrise on the morning of April 8, photographer Gary Hershorn captured the sun rising above the Empire State Building in New York City.

A photo taken in Fort Worth, Texas, shows the moon beginning to eclipse the sun around midday.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer viewed the eclipse from the Capitol in Washington, DC.

The eclipse was visible in the sky next to the Statue of Freedom on the top of the Capitol dome.

Protective eyewear was crucial for safe viewing of the eclipse.

In a pinch, a colander was also a useful tool to view shadows of the eclipsed sun.

The sun's corona, or outer atmosphere, was visible during totality.

The eclipse also revealed the sun's prominences, which appeared as pink curls on its outer edges.

During totality, couples exchanged vows in a mass wedding ceremony as part of the Total Eclipse of the Heart festival in Russellville, Arkansas.

At Niagara Falls, which was in the path of totality, the sky filled with blue and orange colors reminiscent of a sunset.

As the eclipse passed, the moon crossed over the sun, revealing its light once again.