Eclipse-chasers came out in droves to watch the solar eclipse across the US - take a look

There's nothing like a rare astronomical event to bring Americans together.

Eclipse-chasers came out in droves on August 21 to witness a total solar eclipse - when the moon crosses between the Earth and the sun and blocks out the sun's light - at countless gatherings across the country.

Total solar eclipses happen about every one to three years, but Monday's event was special. It was the first time since 1918 that the path of totality, where day briefly turns to night, cut diagonally across the entire US.

We rounded up the best photos of people watching the eclipse from Portland, Oregon, to Charleston, South Carolina. We will continue to update this post throughout the day.