People watch a solar eclipse in the Times Square neighborhood of New York City, the United States, on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

A total solar eclipse was sweeping across North America on Monday, as residents and visitors gathered in different locations on the path of the eclipse to watch and cheer. The total solar eclipse -- nicknamed the Great American Eclipse for its long path over North America -- was visible in the sky over parts of Mexico, 15 U.S. states and eastern Canada.

People watch a solar eclipse in the Times Square neighborhood of New York City, the United States, on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

People watch a solar eclipse in the Times Square neighborhood of New York City, the United States, on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Michael Nagle/Xinhua)

A total solar eclipse is pictured in Plano, Texas, the United States, on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Dan Tian/Xinhua)

A total solar eclipse is pictured in Plano, Texas, the United States, on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Dan Tian/Xinhua)

A total solar eclipse is pictured in Plano, Texas, the United States, on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Dan Tian/Xinhua)

People observe a solar eclipse in Washington, D.C., the United States, on April 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

Students watch a solar eclipse with safety glasses in Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on April 8, 2024. (Xinhua)

A man watches a solar eclipse through a telescope in Mexico City, Mexico, on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

A solar eclipse is pictured in Mexico City, Mexico, on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

A solar eclipse is pictured in Mexico City, Mexico, on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)

People watch a solar eclipse through telescopes in Mexico City, Mexico, on April 8, 2024. (Photo by Francisco Canedo/Xinhua)