Dazzling solar eclipse photos that won't fry your eyes
Americans were awed by a total eclipse of the sun on August 21, 2017. It was the first eclipse to cross the U.S. from coast to coast in 99 years, with a "path of totality stretching from Oregon to South Carolina.
There won't be another solar eclipse visible in the U.S. until 2024. Meantime, get your eclipse fix with these stunning photos.
Here, the Great American Eclipse of 2017 is seen over Madras, Oregon.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
A partial solar eclipse is seen in Dhaka, Bangladesh in March 2016.
Islamabad, Pakistan
This solar eclipse over Islamabad, Pakistan in March 2009 was also seen in Africa and parts of the Middle East before expiring in Asia.
The umbra (shadow) was visible over a distance of 9,000 miles.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
A picture taken in September 2016 shows the moon moving to cover the sun in the sky over Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
This phenomenon, known as an annular solar eclipse, happens when there is a near-perfect alignment of the Earth, moon and mun.
Phoenix, Arizona
A partial eclipse of the sun is seen at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in May 2012.
Texas Motor Speedway
Spectators watch the partial solar eclipse broadcast on Big Hoss at Texas Motor Speedway on August 21, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Manila Bay in the Philippines
Here, people look at the rare sight of the sun setting during a partial solar eclipse over Manila Bay in the Philippines in January 2009.
A solar eclipse can only be viewed safely through special protective lenses to protect the eyes.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A partial solar eclipse is seen behind a star and crescent symbol above a mosque in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in March 2016.
Mexico City
View of a partial solar eclipse as seen in Mexico City, on August 21, 2017. Astronomy buffs set up telescopes fitted with special sun filters in parks and squares in various cities.
Northampton, England
The moon blocks out all but a crescent of sun during this partial solar eclipse over Northampton, England, in March 2015.
Gumaca, Philippines
A partial solar eclipse is seen during sunrise in the coastal town of Gumaca in the Philippines in May 2012.
Space Station "photobombs" eclipse
This composite image, made from seven frames, shows the International Space Station as it transits the sun at roughly five miles per second during a partial solar eclipse, Monday, August 21, 2017. Photographed from near Banner, Wyoming.
Monument Valley, Arizona
A new moon crosses in front of the sun, creating an annular eclipse over Monument Valley, Arizona, in May 2012.
During an annular eclipse the sun is totally obscured by the moon except for a narrow ring, or corona, around the rim.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
A partial solar eclipse is seen from Dhaka, Bangladesh in March 2016.
A total eclipse followed, briefly blanketing Indonesia in total darkness.
Nashville
Sunlight peeking out at the edge of the eclipse causes a starburst effect over Nashville, Tennessee, on August 21, 2017. Nashville was the largest U.S. city to experience the total eclipse.
Xiamen, China
A partial annular solar eclipse is seen from the coast of Xiamen, China, in May 2012.
The Chinese have recorded solar eclipse sightings since at least 720 B.C.
Ross Lake, Washington
In this NASA composite image, the progression of a partial solar eclipse is seen over Ross Lake, in Northern Cascades National Park, Washington, August 21, 2017.
Belitung, Indonesia
This total solar eclipse was photographed in Belitung, Indonesia, in March 2016.
Total eclipses can sweep any part of earth; there have even been total eclipses visible at the north and south poles.
Taipei, Taiwan
A solar eclipse takes place in the skies over Taipei, Taiwan, in January 2010.
The eclipse plunged millions of people in Asia and Africa into semi-darkness.
Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
The sun is partially blocked during an eclipse in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, in August 2008.
Moscow, Russia
A partial solar eclipse is seen in Moscow in January 2011.
Madras, Oregon
Barbara Hintzen of Edmonds, Washington records the sun during the total solar eclipse on August 21, 2017 in Madras, Oregon.
Casper, Wyoming
The total solar eclipse is seen over a T. rex statue on August 21, 2017.
Shenyang, China
The moon begins to obstruct the view of the sun during a solar eclipse over Shenyang, China, in January 2010.
Eclipse composite
A composite image of the total solar eclipse seen from the Lowell Observatory Solar Eclipse Experience August 21, 2017 in Madras, Oregon.
Phoenix, Arizona
People view an annular solar eclipse on the horizon in Phoenix in May 2012.
Eclipse seen from space
European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Paolo Nespoli captured this image from aboard the International Space Station of the moon's shadow crossing the U.S. during a solar eclipse on August 21, 2017.
Oregon
Tanner Person (R) and Josh Blink, both from Vacaville, Calif., watch a total solar eclipse at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, near Mitchell, Oregon, on Mon., Aug. 21, 2017.
Central Java, Indonesia
A total solar eclipse is seen over the Hindu Prambanan temple in Central Java, Indonesia, in March 2016.
Taipei, Taiwan
An annular eclipse is seen in the sky over Taipei, Taiwan, in May 2012.
The path of this eclipse spanned more than 150 miles over eastern Asia.
Naypyidaw, Myanmar
The moon passes in front of the sun during a partial solar eclipse in Naypyidaw, Myanmar (Burma), in March 2016.
Kathmandu, Nepal
A partial eclipse is seen in Kathmandu, Nepal, in March 2016.
Moscow, Russia
The sun is partially blocked during an eclipse in Moscow in August 2008.
Rabat, Morocco
An annular eclipse is spotted in Rabat, Morocco, in October 2005.
This eclipse traveled over Spain, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, northern Chad, central Sudan, southwestern Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.
Singapore
A partial solar eclipse is seen behind passenger capsules of the Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel in March 2016.
Denver, Colorado
An annular solar eclipse is seen from downtown Denver as the sun sets behind the Rocky Mountains in May 2012.
Brittany, France
The Saint-They Chapel in Brittany, France, is seen in silhouette at sunset during a partial solar eclipse, August 21, 2017.