Rare solar eclipse in US draws millions - in person and on screens

Idaho

MILLIONS of Americans armed with protective glasses took positions along a slender ribbon of land cutting diagonally across the United States to marvel at the first total solar eclipse to unfold from coast to coast in nearly a century.

After weeks of anticipation, the sight of the moon's shadow passing directly in front of the sun, blotting out all but the halo-like solar corona, was expected to draw one of the largest audiences in human history, experts say.

When those watching via social and broadcast media are included, the spectacle will likely smash records.

Some 12 million people live in the 113-km-wide, 4,000-km-long zone where the total eclipse was due to appear on Monday. Millions of others have travelled to spots along the route to see the rare event for themselves.

The phenomenon would first appear at 5.15pm Greenwich Mean Time (1.15am Singapore time) near Depoe Bay, Oregon. About 94 minutes later, the phenomenon would take its final bow near Charleston, South Carolina. REUTERS