MILLIONS of people in North America were preparing to view a total solar eclipse, nicknamed the Great American Solar Eclipse for its long path over the continent, on Monday (8).
The celestial phenomenon will be visible from parts of Mexico, 15 states in the US and eastern Canada.
Provided the weather conditions remain clear, millions will be able to get stunning glimpses as the moon passes between the Earth and sun and blocks the sun's light briefly, creating 'night' in the middle of the day.
However, clouds and storms may potentially hinder a clear sighting of the total eclipse in states along the path of totality in America's southern plains and the western Gulf coast.
Read: Texas man, 105, to experience his 13th solar eclipse: 'I had to see them all'
Around 20 million people in states such as Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma are set to face severe weather conditions at the beginning of the week, where multiple rounds of storms are forecast to occur.
However, the mood was upbeat about the total eclipse, the next of which is expected to happen after two decades.
Here are some glimpses on how the people of America were preparing for the big moment:
A sign displaying 'No School' is seen at Fredericksburg middle school ahead of the total solar eclipse on April 7, 2024 in Fredericksburg, Texas. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
A camper at Stonehenge II practices with his camera equipment ahead of Monday's total solar eclipse across North America, in Ingram, Texas, on April 7, 2024. (Photo by CECILE CLOCHERET/AFP via Getty Images)
A road sign informs drivers of the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 in Binghamton, New York, US. (Photo by Adam Gray/Getty Images)
NASA-issued solar eclipse glasses are available for free at a NASA information booth during the town's celebration of the April 8 solar eclipse on April 7, 2024 in Russellville, Arkansas, US. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The City of Dripping Springs, Texas is preparing for the April 8 solar eclipse with a set of larger than life glasses on display at Veterans Memorial Park, US. (Photo by SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images)
A visitor adds a pin to a map displaying where eclipse seekers are visiting from during the town's celebration of the April 8 solar eclipse on April 7, 2024 in Russellville, Arkansas, US. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Travelers Brent and Toochis Rose take pictures of traveler Lynne Kueck's shirt ahead of the total solar eclipse on April 7, 2024, in Fredericksburg, Texas, US. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Travelers Brent Rose, Toochis Rose, and Krishna Padhve browse updated weather reports ahead of the total solar eclipse on April 7, 2024, in Fredericksburg, Texas, US. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Residents enjoy a foam party that was part of the town's celebration of the April 8 solar eclipse on April 6, 2024 in Perryville, Missouri, US. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
A business posts special hours in it's front window ahead of the April 8 solar eclipse on April 6, 2024, in Perryville, Missouri, US. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
