America shows off photos and footage of first total eclipse of the Sun seen there in 99 years

Americans gazed in wonder through telescopes, cameras and protective glasses as the moon blotted out the midday sun in the first full-blown solar eclipse to sweep the US from coast to coast in nearly a century.

It promised to be the most observed and photographed eclipse in history, with millions staking out prime viewing spots and settling into garden chairs to watch, especially along the path of totality - the line of shadow created when the sun is completely obscured.