Spectacular images of a rare solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse occurs when a moon moves in between the sun and Earth, lasting up to three hours. This year’s solar eclipse was the first continent-wide eclipse that plunged various US cities into darkness. (photo: AFP)

The moon is seen as it starts passing in front of the sun during a solar eclipse from Ross Lake, Northern Cascades National Park, in Washington on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. (Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP)

The International Space Station is seen in silhouette as it transits the sun during a partial solar eclipse, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, near Banner, Wyo. (Joel Kowsky/NASA via AP)

The moon is seen passing in front of the sun during a solar eclipse from Ross Lake, Northern Cascades National Park, in Washington on Monday, Aug. 21, 2017. (Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP)

The sun is shown just before a total eclipse by the moon, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, near Redmond, Ore. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

The moon covers the sun during a total eclipse Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, near Redmond, Ore. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

The sun is shown approaching a total eclipse by the moon, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, near Redmond, Ore. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Sun spots are visible as the sun emerges from a total eclipse by the moon, Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, near Redmond, Ore. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

The International Space Station is silhouetted against the sun during a partial solar eclipse Monday, Aug. 21, 2017, as seen from Ross Lake, Northern Cascades National Park, in Washington. (Bill Ingalls/NASA via AP)