SKY-GAZERS stood transfixed across the Americas and Europe yesterday as the Sun vanished behind the Moon in a rare total eclipse that swept the continent coast-to-coast for the first time in nearly a century.

Festivals, rooftop parties, weddings, camping trips and astronomy meet-ups were held for what was likely most heavily photographed and documented eclipse in modern times, thanks to the advent of social media.

In the US capital, where 81% totality occurred, US President Donald Trump watched the partial eclipse from the White House with his wife Melania and son Barron, although the president appeared to have missed the memo on eclipse dos and don’ts.

At one point, Trump glanced skyward without protective eyewear – a big no-no, according to experts. “Don’t look,” an aide shouted to him. He later donned glasses.

In Mexico, where there was a partial eclipse, astronomy buffs set up telescopes fitted with special sun filters in parks and squares in various cities. – AFP, August 22, 2017.