Solar eclipse
The moon crosses over the sun during the peak moment of a partial solar eclipse, as seen from the Mount Wilson Observatory northeast of Los Angeles.
Solar eclipses occur when the moon, sun and Earth are aligned in such a way that, from a portion of the Earth, the shadow of the moon blocks out the sun. During a partial eclipse, the sun is never entirely obscured by the moon.
Virginia
Alex Frye, 12, uses special viewing glasses to look at a partial solar eclipse from a highway overpass in Arlington, Virginia, Oct. 23, 2014.
California
The process of a partial eclipse of the sun as seen from near the Mount Wilson Observatory on Mt. Wilson, northeast of Los Angeles.
Virginia
A partial solar eclipse is seen just before sunset through the trees outside Winchester, Virginia, Oct. 23, 2014.
Mexico
A partial solar eclipse as seen from Ensenada, in the State of Baja California, Mexico, Oct. 23, 2014.
California
Leianna Stout, 8, uses protective eyewear to view a partial eclipse of the sun near the Mount Wilson Observatory, northeast of Los Angeles, Oct. 23, 2014.
California
The moon nears completion of its path across the sun at 4:17 pm during a partial eclipse of the sun, as seen through leaves on trees near the Mount Wilson Observatory, northeast of Los Angeles.
California
The progression of a partial solar eclipse is shown in a combination of photographs from San Diego, California, Oct. 23, 2014.
Mexico
A partial solar eclipse is seen through a welder's glass outside the La Rodadora Museum in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, Oct. 23, 2014.