A total solar eclipse has raced across North America.
Monday’s spectacle was watched by millions in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. It was North America’s biggest eclipse crowd ever, thanks to the densely populated path.
Cloud cover threatened to spoil the view in some places, especially in parts of Texas, but the skies cleared with minutes to spare. One place that got stuck with clouds: Niagara Falls, New York.
Mainers lucked out with clear, sunny weather during the eclipse, giving viewers in the path of totality the chance to witness what could be a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event.
Travelers from far and wide flocked to areas that were in the path of totality, including Houlton and Rangeley.
The Maine Turnpike Authority said it recorded just over 80,000 transactions at the York Toll Plaza over the weekend, a 10% increase compared to a typical April weekend. Officials warned that all of those additional travelers heading home at the same time could create holiday-level traffic on I-95. That’s why state officials campaigned for visitors to “come early, stay late.”
During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes in front of the sun and blocks the sunlight for a few minutes. There won’t be another coast-to-coast spectacle on the continent until 2045.
