Astronomers are gearing up for the "biggest ever" solar eclipse, with the phenomenon set to be viewed by millions.

The eclipse will begin over the South Pacific, with its path reaching Mexico's Pacific coast at around 11.07 am Pacific Time before entering the United States in Texas.The phenomenon is occurring as the Moon passes between the sun and Earth, entirely covering the face of the sun along a small path of our planet's surface.

Known as the "path of totality" the daytime sky turns dark, akin to dusk or dawn, and nocturnal animals have been known to wake up, confused into believing night has arrive. More than 31 million people live the path of totality, making it the most viewed eclipse in recent history.

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