Total solar eclipse wows North America. Clouds part just in time for most

By MARCIA DUNN
AP Aerospace Writer

MESQUITE, Texas (AP) — A chilly, midday darkness fell across North America as a total solar eclipse raced across the continent. Monday’s spectacle was witnessed by millions of spectators in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. It was North America’s biggest eclipse crowd ever, thanks to the densely populated path. Cloud cover spoiled the view in New York state, but in Texas and elsewhere the skies cleared with minutes to spare as the moon passed in front of the sun and blocked the sunlight for a few minutes. The rest of North America saw a partial eclipse, weather permitting. After beholding the celestial show, thousands of spectators in New England were stuck seeing only brake lights Monday night as highway traffic backed up for hours.