Millions across Mexico, the US and Canada view total eclipse of the sun

Millions of people across 15 US states and in Mexico and Canada witnessed the rare and ethereal spectacle of a total solar eclipse yesterday, with cities plunged into sudden darkness and experiencing a precipitous drop in temperatures.

- Richard Luscombe

At lunchtime, the first such eclipse to cross the US in seven years swept ashore in the Mexican beach resort Mazatlán before crossing the Texas border at Eagle Pass and heading north-east towards Canada.

Undeterred by forecasts of low cloud cover and rain spoiling their view, hordes assembled in the US from Texas to Maine, clutching safety glasses and cameras with solar filters, in readiness for the rare spectacle.

But in several cities in Texas and south-central states the best viewing was obscured.

More than 31 million people live in the "path of totality" - the track of the moon's shadow blocking the sun-the eclipse followed in a north-east direction for about an hour after crossing into Texas at 1.30pm local time.

It will be another 21 years until the US sees another coast-to-coast total eclipse, adding to the widespread keenness to witness the moments of darkness and stillness during yesterday's event. But for many, the experience proved costly, with surging air fares and exorbitant hotel rates. Others found long-held bookings cancelled and resold to new customers at up to three times the original prices.

Travellers were up early to stake a good spot for watching the eclipse beneath the 115-mile wide path of totality. In Maine, where clear skies were expected to offer some of the best views, authorities reported heavy traffic long before daylight.