NIAGARA FALLS, New York. Thousands of skywatchers across North America marveled at the sight of a total solar eclipse on Monday, with celebrations ranging from cheers and music to weddings marking the first eclipse to darken the continent in seven years.

From a Mexican beach resort near where the eclipse began to the shores of the Ohio River and beyond to the majestic Niagara Falls at the U.S.-Canadian border, mesmerized crowds reacted to the phenomenon of “totality” with expressions of awe and happiness.

In Russellville, Arkansas, nearly 400 couples exchanged vows beneath the shadow of the moon in a mass wedding event called “Elope and the Eclipse.” Meanwhile, at Niagara Falls State Park, despite overcast skies, at least two weddings and one marriage proposal were reported among the approximately 2,000 attendees.

The dreary weather momentarily subdued the experience until clouds parted to reveal the last 30 seconds of totality, eliciting wild cheers from the crowd.

As daylight returned, a band played R.E.M.’s 1992 hit song “Man on the Moon” as a tribute to the celestial event.

Across the river in Niagara Falls, Ontario, a record-breaking 309 people, some from as far away as Singapore and London, dressed up as the sun, setting a new world record for the largest group wearing solar costumes in one place.

Clear skies offered observers along the eclipse’s direct path a rare spectacle, with the moon appearing as a dark orb gradually moving in front of the sun, briefly blocking out all but a brilliant halo of light, or corona, around its outer edge.

This was the first total eclipse to sweep across a large part of North America since 2017 and will be the last one visible from the contiguous United States until 2044.

In Mazatlan, Mexico, thousands gathered along the coastal promenade to witness the eclipse, bursting into cheers and applause when totality was reached.

The total eclipse lasted up to 4-1/2 minutes, depending on the observer’s location, accompanied by eerie effects such as twinkling stars, sudden dusk, and temperature drops.

Despite overcast skies in some areas, eclipse enthusiasts from near and far traveled to witness the spectacle, creating a complete sensory experience.

Laura and Brian Uzzle, who changed their viewing location due to cloudy forecasts, awaited the eclipse by the Ohio River, excited to experience the event amidst nature’s beauty.

The surge in eclipse viewers prompted Indiana state police to shut down highway rest stops once they reached capacity.

This total eclipse surpassed the duration of the 2017 event, lasting up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds, and rolled through densely populated regions, impacting major cities like San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; Cleveland, Ohio; and Montreal, Quebec.

The communal experience of witnessing the eclipse brought about a sense of optimism and unity among people, with some suggesting it might have a positive impact on society’s divisions.

In Burlington, Vermont, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak described the atmosphere as a “really chill vibe,” with thousands appreciating the momentous occasion, hinting at a potential healing effect on society.

Indeed, the eclipse provided a moment of collective wonder and optimism amidst the challenges of the world.

With inputs from agencies.