The sky clears just in time for the total solar eclipse in the U.S. (PHOTOS)

• Total solar eclipse viewing was spectacular.
• The skies darkened.
• Millions admired the rare phenomenon.

A chilly darkness descended on North America at noon on Monday as a total solar eclipse moved across the continent.

It delighted those lucky enough to witness the spectacle under clear skies, according to The Associated Press.

Practically all North American residents were guaranteed at least a partial view of the eclipse, weather permitting.

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Clouds covered Texas for total solar eclipse viewing

Streetlights turned on, and planets became visible after the moon covered the sun for a few minutes along its path.

Dogs howled, frogs croaked and some people burst into tears — all part of the eclipse mania that took over Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The Monday, April 8 eclipse was the most viewed in U.S. history, according to The Associated Press.

Almost everyone in North America could see at least a partial eclipse, if weather conditions were right.

The largest audience in history

It was the largest audience in history for an eclipse on the continent as about 200 million people live under the path of totality or just outside it.

Moreover, a large number of people came from other areas to see it.

It will be 21 years before another eclipse that can be seen coast to coast, so many people tried to take advantage of this opportunity.

Clouds covered much of Texas as the total solar eclipse began its diagonal journey over land.

Clouds opened up for perfect total solar eclipse viewing

The eclipse started on the Mexican Pacific coasts, which had almost clear skies, and moved through several states in the United States before exiting through the North Atlantic near Labrador, Canada.

A short distance east of Dallas, hundreds of people gathered in the downtown area of Mesquite and applauded and whistled.

This was as clouds parted just minutes before the eclipse reached its totality phase.

As the sun was finally covered, the ovation grew louder.

Venus was also visible

Then viewers removed their protective glasses to witness the unforgettable sight of the sun’s corona, and Venus shining brightly in the midst of darkness.

Local officials reminded everyone that the last total solar eclipse to pass through the region was in the 1870s.

That made this one even more special. The music — which was eclipse-themed — was silenced as the big moment approached.

«My God, it’s so dark,» marveled 14-year-old Aiyana Brown, who watched the eclipse with her grandfather, the mayor of Mesquite, Daniel Aleman Jr. «I love science and this is incredible.»

I will never stop watching this’

The weather also cooperated at the last minute near Austin. «I will never stop watching this,» said Ahmed Husseim, a resident who had marked the date of the eclipse on his calendar since last year.

In Georgetown, Texas, the skies cleared just in time to give viewers a clear view. In other places, clouds partially obscured the eclipse.

«We’re really lucky,» said Susan Robertson, a Georgetown resident.

«Even with the clouds, it’s kind of beautiful, because when they clear, it’s like: wow!»

Total solar eclipse viewing was emotional

Before Monday’s show, northern New England and Canada had the highest chances of clear skies, and it was so.

Holly Randall, who watched it from Colebrook, New Hampshire, said her eclipse experience exceeded her expectations.

«I didn’t expect to cry when I saw it,» she said, as tears streamed down her cheeks.

The show began in the Pacific before noon, Eastern United States time.

Everything was shrouded in shadows

As the Mexican port of Mazatlan darkened when the eclipse reached its total phase, the faces of the spectators were only illuminated by their phone screens.

The suspense due to weather uncertainty added to the drama.

But the morning cloudy skies in Mesquite did not discourage Erin Froneberger, who was in town on a business trip and brought her eclipse glasses with her.

«We’re always in a hurry, hurry, hurry,» she noted. «But this is an event for which we can take a moment, a few seconds in which it’s going to happen, and embrace it.»

No spectacular views here

Eclipse viewers in Niagara Falls State Park had to settle for the day darkening.

But there were no spectacular views of the sun’s corona.

A little more than an hour later, and with people already moving out of the park, the sun shone again.

«I’d give it a 6 out of 10,» said Haleigh Thibodeau, who traveled from Buxton, Maine, with her mother.