20+ Spectacular Photos From the Rare Total Solar Eclipse Across the U.S.

Location: Madras, Oregon
Photo: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani

On August 21, 2017, people across the United States looked to the sky to witness a rare total solar eclipse. This was the first time in 99 years that the Moon had seemingly swallowed the Sun and was visible from coast to coast. Starting near Salem, Oregon and spanning to Charleston, South Carolina, there was an arched path of 100% totality, meaning that whomever was along it could see the entire thing event perfectly. During this magical time, people from all walks of life were transfixed on the sky (and hopefully wearing protective eye wear).

For those who weren’t able to catch a glimpse of this celestial sight—or simply want to relive it—photographers captured history in spectacular astrophotography. Depending on the location of the photographer, the total solar eclipse looks different. For those in the 100% totality zone, the moon is dark and outlined in a brilliant illuminated ring. Any less totality yielded a crescent moon lit in a fiery orange—still an amazing thing to witness nonetheless.

No matter where you were in the U.S., however, the International Space Station had the best vantage point of all. Astronauts there had a crystal clear view as they cross its path three times from an altitude of 250 miles.

Although you needed special glasses for the eclipse, you can gaze at these stunning total solar eclipse photos for as long as you like.

A post shared by apple (@apple) on Aug 21, 2017 at 8:29pm PDT

Shot of a lifetime. This print is available for purchase in multiple formats to those who asked at https://fineartamerica.com/products/solar-eclipse-with-plane-kirsten-jorgensen-art-print.html #nikon #nikonusa #nikonphotography #eclipse #eclipse2017 #photography #photograph #picoftheday #photooftheday #d5200 #dslr #instagood

A post shared by Kirsten Jorgensen (@cursetenj) on Aug 21, 2017 at 11:12am PDT

Early photos from @AmericanEclipse more to come pic.twitter.com/ZlKIM9XpmC

— James West (@ejwwest) August 21, 2017

Location: Madras, Oregon
Photo: NASA/Aubrey Gemignani

Best view in the house… it took 4 days of planning and hard work to capture this shot. My girlfriend @martinatib and good friend @thistommysmith climbed the route twice, in scorching heat, to nail the positioning. But we nailed it!

A post shared by Ted Hesser (@tedhesser) on Aug 21, 2017 at 12:40pm PDT

Two seconds, then totality. . #solareclipse

A post shared by Dave Krugman (@dave.krugman) on Aug 21, 2017 at 12:28pm PDT

No words • I’m sure you are going to see a lot of these today. But this one was special. Hours of planning, scouting, and driving went into creating this photograph. It was on the verge of being completely ruined by clouds. But thankfully it all worked out. • #fujifilmx_us #xt2 #xf50140 #totality #eclipse2017 #eclipse #tinlid #moodygrams #whpadventure

A post shared by B R Y A N M I N E A R (@bryanminear) on Aug 21, 2017 at 12:04pm PDT

On Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, a solar eclipse will be visible across North America. Throughout the continent, the Moon will cover part – or all – of the Sun’s super-bright face for part of the day. For those within the narrow path of totality, stretching from Oregon to South Carolina, that partial eclipse will become total for a few brief moments. Make sure you’re using proper solar filters (not sunglasses) or an indirect viewing method if you plan to watch the eclipse in person. Wherever you are, you can also watch Monday’s eclipse online with us at http://www.nasa.gov/eclipselive. Starting Monday, Aug. 21, 2017 at noon ET, our show will feature views from our research aircraft, high-altitude balloons, satellites and specially modified telescopes, as well as live reports from cities across the country and the International Space Station. Learn all about #Eclipse2017 at http://eclipse2017.nasa.gov. #nasa #sun #eclipse2017 #totalsolareclipse #partialsolareclipse #moon #astronomy #eclipsesafety #eclipse #science

A post shared by NASA (@nasa) on Aug 20, 2017 at 11:55am PDT

Location: Aboard Alaska Airlines
Photo: Michael Barratt via NASA Astronauts

•• Ring Of Fire • This was undoubtedly the most fantastic natural phenomenon I’ve had the honor of experiencing. So ominous. Watching the sun slowly get swallowed up by this dark mass. Looking forward to hopefully chasing more eclipses to the end of the world. Stay Adventurous Dear Friends!! . . . . Tags #beautifuldestinations #wildernessculture #superhubs #Artofvisuals #AGameofTones #Earthfocus #moodygrams #folkgrid #bevisuallyinspired #visualsoflife #ourplanetdaily #discoverearth #exklusive_shot #meistershots #illgrammers #Createcommune #exploretocreate #lifeofadventure #stayandwander #liveauthentic #roamtheplanet #folkgrid #visualsofearth #liveauthentic #visualsoflife #solareclipse2017 #ig_color #solareclipse #eclipse #eclipse2017

A post shared by Karl ‘Shakur’ N. (@karl_shakur) on Aug 21, 2017 at 8:47pm PDT

And finally the 2017 total solar eclipse! On assignment for @natgeo & @airbnb this was the view today on 10:10 morning Eastern Time from 45000 ft high, flying on the edge of stratosphere, some 400km off the coast of Oregon above the cloud-covered Pacific Ocean. Like all other eclipses I’ve seen the horizon colors were amazing but this time at such a high altitude the sky became pitch black, almost felt like flying in space. Wow! @natgeocreative @airbnb @twanight #eclipse2017 #solareclipse #eclipse

A post shared by Babak Tafreshi (@babaktafreshi) on Aug 21, 2017 at 11:58am PDT

Wink – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – #eclipse #eclipse2017 #eclipsed #diamondring #zoom #telephoto #explore #space #sun #moon #picoftheday #naturephotography #photography #photooftheday #pictureoftheday #totality #americaneclipse #spacephoto #nasa #canon #canonusa #70200mm #exploreeverything

A post shared by Matt Harrington (@matt2harrington) on Aug 21, 2017 at 1:40pm PDT

Location: Banner, Wyoming
Photo: NASA / Joel Kowsky

Rotation of the crescent Sun as the Moon moved past was impressive (and something I’d forgotten happened) pic.twitter.com/h2rEvQxDKk

— Robert Minchin (@robminchin) August 21, 2017

The Sun is now emerging from behind the moon here at @NAICobservatory pic.twitter.com/eYqYgSI5Rj

— Robert Minchin (@robminchin) August 21, 2017

It wasn’t a total solar eclipse in New York City today but it was still amazing too see it. The next total solar eclipse viewable in the US is only 7 years away, hopefully I will be still alive to see it and capture the perfect eclipse #eclipse2017

A post shared by SamAlive (@samalive) on Aug 21, 2017 at 9:22pm PDT

It wasn’t a total solar eclipse in New York City today but it was still amazing too see it. The next total solar eclipse viewable in the US is only 7 years away, hopefully I will be still alive to see it and capture the perfect eclipse #eclipse2017

A post shared by SamAlive (@samalive) on Aug 21, 2017 at 9:22pm PDT

Eclipse wasn’t too bad from Seattle #eclipse #seattle #sonya6000 #popgoesthesun

A post shared by MissHillary (@hillarykennedy92) on Aug 21, 2017 at 11:35am PDT

Partial Eclispe II – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – #eclipse #eclipse2017 #eclipsed #diamondring #zoom #telephoto #explore #space #sun #moon #picoftheday #naturephotography #photography #photooftheday #pictureoftheday #totality #americaneclipse #spacephoto #nasa #canon #canonusa #70200mm #exploreeverything

A post shared by Matt Harrington (@matt2harrington) on Aug 21, 2017 at 8:15pm PDT

So excited to have been able to enjoy the eclipse in the path of totality! My hometown of Greenville, SC was one of the last stops for the eclipse today as it made its way across the US. We flew in late last night to Atlanta and made our way to Greenville with some family VERY early this morning. I was really torn about whether or not to photograph this phenomenon, but after considering it I went for the solar filter and brought my camera along for the ride! It’s definitely an experience I will never forget!!! . I’ll be sharing my favorite shots from this afternoon. This shows the “diamond ring” effect just as the sun begins to peak out again after the total eclipse. . . #popgoesthesun #eclipse #eclipse2017 #solarfilter #canon #eclipsephotography #corona #sunscorona #sunlight #eclipsesc #southcarolina #carolina #greenvillesc #greenvillesouthcarolina #carolinagirl #yeahthatgreenville #greatamericaneclipse #americaneclipse #solareclipse #solareclipse2017 #totality #eclipsetotality #solarfilter #downtowngreenville #greenvilleeclipse #southcarolinaeclipse

A post shared by Kimberly M (@facetedphoto) on Aug 21, 2017 at 1:57pm PDT

Location: Aboard Alaska Airlines
Photo: Michael Barratt via NASA Astronauts

Jackson WY 11:38am 8.21.17 #eclipse2017

A post shared by Jimmy Chin (@jimmy_chin) on Aug 21, 2017 at 11:24am PDT

PHOTO: TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE 2017 from Green River Lake, WY. I truly think I had the most beautiful spot in the whole path. More photos soon. pic.twitter.com/jLDBMHJJU4

— Ben Cooper (@LaunchPhoto) August 21, 2017

It’s a star-splitter if there ever was one And ought to do some good if splitting stars ’Sa thing to be compared with splitting wood. – Robert Frost (1/3) . . . #thevisualarchive #vscocam #michigansun #igersmichigan #fineart #sonyimages #sonyalphaclub #themoodyvisual #fatalframes #thephotosociety #tcmi #optoutside #eclipse2017 #solareclipse2017 #popgoesthesun #natgeocreative #tonebox #ig_color #heatedtones

A post shared by Robert Anthony Byrne (@roan.pictures) on Aug 21, 2017 at 1:30pm PDT

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