The event began at 18:07 GMT on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The trajectory will then cross 15 American states – from Texas to Maine – before ending its course in eastern Canada.
In total, the Moon's shadow will travel its path over America in about an hour and a half. In the United States, more than 30 million people live in the area where the total eclipse will be visible for a few minutes at most. The event represents an economic opportunity for many regions receiving an influx of tourists, but also for scientists studying our star.