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.
Early photos from @AmericanEclipse more to come pic.twitter.com/ZlKIM9XpmC
— James West (@ejwwest) August 21, 2017
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
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
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