rare total eclipse +Millions of die-hard eclipse chasers and amateur star watchers alike converged +WASHINGTON: Sky-gazers stood transfixed across North America Monday as the Sun vanished behind the Moon in athat swept the continent coast-to-coast for the first time in nearly a century.in cities along the path of totality, a 70-mile (113-kilometer) wide swath cutting through 14 US states, where the Moon briefly blocked out all light from the Sun.Festivals, rooftop parties, weddings, camping trips and astronomy meet-ups were held nationwide for what was likely most heavily photographed and documented eclipse in modern times, thanks to the era of social media.In the US capital, where 81 percent totality occurred, President Donald Trump watched the partial eclipse from the White House with his wife Melania and son Barron — although the president appeared to have missed the memo on eclipse do's and don'ts.At one point, Trump glanced skyward without protective eyewear — a big no-no, according to experts. "Don't look," an aide shouted to him.The US President later donned glasses. Donald Trump and Melania Trump watch the solar eclipse from the White House)

Source: Times of India August 22, 2017 03:26 UTC