Thousands of eclipse enthusiasts gathered at a resort in North America as the highly anticipated solar eclipse began its journey across the continent. The total eclipse, which will last more than four minutes in some places, started in western Mexico and will cross the United States and Canada.

As the moon slowly crept across the face of the sun, people anxiously gazed at the sky, hoping that wayward clouds would not obstruct their view of the rare celestial event. The Mexican beachside resort town of Mazatlan became the first major viewing spot in North America, with thousands of visitors setting up deck chairs and donning eclipse glasses while enjoying an orchestral rendition of the "Star Wars" theme.

People from all over traveled to witness the spectacle, with one visitor, Lourdes Corro, embarking on a 10-hour car journey just to be there. "The last one I saw was when I was 9 years old," Corro shared. "There are a few clouds, but we can still see the sun."

In upstate New York, the total eclipse was expected to occur shortly after 3 p.m. Local residents at the Frontier Town campground in North Hudson prepared for the event by setting up tables, chairs, and beer coolers, while children excitedly ran around in eclipse-themed t-shirts. Bob and Teresa Love, residents of Connecticut, expressed their cautious optimism about the weather, hoping the forecasted clouds would hold off long enough for an unobscured view. "I'm trying not to get too excited because of the weather, just trying to keep expectations real," said Teresa. "Some people say it's life-changing. I don't know if it's going to be life-changing, but I think it's going to be cool to see."

This eclipse is set to last longer than the one witnessed in 2017, with a duration of up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds. NASA explains that total eclipses can vary in length, lasting anywhere from 10 seconds to approximately 7 and a half minutes. Cities like San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Indianapolis are also along the path of totality, drawing millions of eager viewers.

While about 32 million people in the United States live within the path of totality, federal officials estimate that an additional 5 million people will travel to be in the ideal viewing locations. Countless eclipse-watching events were organized in bars, stadiums, fairgrounds, and parks along the path.

As excitement built in small rural towns like Advance, Missouri, where residents Tim and Gwen Wurst eagerly made the trip to witness their second eclipse, experts emphasized the importance of using protective solar glasses. Only during the few minutes of totality, when the moon fully covers the sun, is it safe to view without these glasses.

The weather played a crucial role in the success of eclipse viewing. While concerns about overcast skies loomed, the U.S. National Weather Services provided forecasts, predicting "a rapid untimely increase of clouds" in Southern Texas, "high thin clouds" in the Arkansan-Midwest region, and clearer skies in northern New England.

The solar eclipse process spanned approximately 80 minutes. Eclipse veterans described the moments before totality as foreboding, with shadows becoming sharp and sunlight assuming an eerie quality. Just before totality, the phenomenon known as "shadow bands" may appear, shimmering shadows on the ground resembling those in a swimming pool. The last remaining sliver of sunlight creates a striking "diamond ring effect," leaving viewers in awe.

Anthony Aveni, author of the book "In the Shadow of the Moon: The Science, Magic, and Mystery of Solar Eclipses," shared his experience of witnessing nine total eclipses, highlighting how each one inspired deep awe among observers. The emotional impact of the event often resulted in tears and strangers embracing one another.

No matter who witnesses it or when they experience it, a solar eclipse always fills people with a mixture of fear, awe, and a sublime sense of wonder. As the eclipse continues to journey across North America, countless individuals will have the opportunity to witness this extraordinary cosmic event firsthand.