How People Watched the Solar Eclipse Across the U.S.

The 2017 Eclipse in full totality seen from Oregon. Photo by @jasmanmander.
SnapshotSami Yewman

All over North America yesterday, crowds gathered to watch the eagerly-anticipated solar eclipse. Millions traveled across the country to be along the path of “full totality”—science-speak for areas where the sun would be completely covered by the moon’s shadow. Viewing parties sold out weeks in advance; small towns were suddenly overrun with the most tourists they’d seen in years. Stores sold out of moon pies, sun chips, and any pun-related food items. Not even New York City street peddlers could keep up with the demand for eclipse glasses.

For a few blissful minutes, the world simply stopped and watched. Whether it was through homemade, goofy-looking cereal box contraptions, paper plates, colanders, or official eclipse glasses procured by those with a bit more foresight, all eyes were towards the sky yesterday. Much like wedding photographers who shoot photos of the groom when all eyes are on the bride, we’ve rounded up photos taken of the crowds gathered together to watch the eclipse. Here are a few of our favorites.

Excited enough to get glasses, but not quite excited enough to exit the ice cream parlor in Clarkesville, GA. Photo by @studiolisali.
At Vanderbilt University, class was canceled, and students were encouraged to go outside to watch the eclipse. Jan Read, who took this picture, said "With all the craziness going on in the nation, I found it incredibly heartwarming to see so many people come together, simply to look up and be amazed at the world around us." Photo by @jansread.
@bergenbags blessed us with this photo of Diane Keaton, herself, Jane Fonda, and Mary Steenburgen.
In North Carolina, Clingman's Dome offered panoramic views over the smoky mountains. Tickets sold out early. Photo by @jeremyraff.
Mesmerized in Chicago. Photo by @12headedboy.
@jenniavins in Culver City, CA got comfortable while viewing the eclipse.
At the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C., there were scientists and telescopes to assist in the viewing. Photo by @rpcannon.
The view from a rooftop in NYC. Photo by @amber.kallor.
The team at @monsemaison took a break to look at the partial eclipse in NYC.
Karlie Kloss got into the spirit with her NASA eyewear. Photo by @karliekloss.
@raybonn hiked up to Mammoth Mountain to view the eclipse with her friends.
In Times Square, people looked not at the billboards or the Elmo impersonators, but stopped and stared at the 70 percent partial eclipse. Photo by @ioestreet.
The Away offices raided the cupboards and did some last minute arts and crafts. Photo by @emmashbates.
Warby Parker gave out pinhole cameras (AKA glorified cardboard boxes) to use throughout NYC, and though not very glamorous, they worked like a charm. Photo by @alexgrossmn.