Throngs of spectators were treated to stunning views as a rare total solar eclipse on Monday darkened the skies over Canada's Niagara Falls, part of a celestial spectacle that raced across North America.
The total solar eclipse -- nicknamed the Great American Eclipse for its long path over North America -- was visible in the sky over parts of Mexico, 15 US states and eastern Canada.
This footage was filmed and produced 8 April 2024.
[Note: partially no sound]
Throngs of spectators were treated to stunning views as a rare total solar eclipse on Monday darkened the skies over Canada's Niagara Falls, part of a celestial spectacle that raced across North America.
The total solar eclipse -- nicknamed the Great American Eclipse for its long path over North America -- was visible in the sky over parts of Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada.
Canada's Niagara Region, one of the best places in the world to take in the sight, had declared a state of emergency in advance as it estimated that up to one million visitors would stream in to watch the awe-inspiring phenomenon.
Many people, including those coming all the way from the United States, had arrived at the Niagara Falls in the early hours of Monday morning although the solar eclipse was expected to occur between 14:00 and 16:00 that afternoon.
"Full solar eclipses are super rare and since it's in our continent, I'm super excited that I can go to see it," Leo, an American boy who came here with his family told CCTV.
The cloudy weather didn't spoil visitors' mood.
"I don't really care [about the clouds]," said Emily, Leo's sister.
"Yeah, Niagara Falls is still something super beautiful to see. So even if it doesn't clear up, I'll still be able to see the Niagara Falls," said Leo.
At around 15:18, the place was plunged into darkness as a total solar eclipse made its way across eastern Canada. The crowds screamed when witnessing the "once-in-a-lifetime" moment. The several minutes of totality was followed by a partial eclipse event.
The total solar eclipse had passed through cities and towns in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia in Canada and exited the country on Newfoundland's coast at 17:16 local time.
According to Statistics Canada, one in six people, or about 6.1 million people, live in the country's path of totality for Monday's eclipse, based on 2021 census data.
While the next total solar eclipse in Canada is expected to pass through western provinces in 20 years, the phenomenon only happens in any given location roughly once every 360 years by some estimates.
SHOTLIST
City of Niagara Falls, Ontario Province, Canada - April 8, 2024
1. Various of large crowds of people at Niagara Falls;
2. Various of spectators waiting to watch total solar eclipse;
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Leo and Emily, spectators (full name not given/partially overlaid with shot 4/ending with shot 5):
(Reporter: Are you excited to be here?)
Leo: "Yes."
(Reporter: Why?)
Emily: "Because it only happens every a hundred years."
Leo: "Yeah, full eclipses are super rare and since it's in our continent, I'm super excited that I can go to see it."
(Reporter: But today is cloudy.)
Leo: "Yeah, hopefully it clears up because there's still like an hour."
(Reporter: Do you feel a little bit disappointed?)
Leo: "Nervous, because it's super rare."
Emily: "I don't really care."
Leo: "Yeah, Niagara Falls is still something super beautiful to see. So even if it doesn't clear up, I'll still be able to see the Niagara Falls.";
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
4. Various of people waiting to see solar eclipse;
[SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
5. Large crowds of people at Niagara Falls;
6. Various of spectators wearing special sunglasses to watch solar eclipse;
7. Various of partial solar eclipse, spectators plunged into darkness;
8. Various of spectators screaming, total solar eclipse;
9. Partial solar eclipse.
Montreal, Canada - April 8, 2024
10. Various of photos showing total, partial solar eclipses
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