Solar eclipse: Rare celestial event enters Canada through southern Ontario [Video]

Earth-bound audiences turned skyward as the sun moved directly behind the moon on Monday, plunging parts of Canada into the darkness of a total solar eclipse and a moment of shared celestial awe.

Eclipse watchers in southwestern Ontario were the first on Canadian soil to experience the eclipse, before the path of totality moved into Quebec and Atlantic Canada, exiting Newfoundland about 30 minutes later.

IN PICTURES: Total solar eclipse in Ontario

Temperatures dipped, animals quieted, and rapturous crowds watched as the sun’s corona came into view behind the black disc of the moon. Stars lit up the darkened skies and streetlights went on for a short period of time.

Hilding Neilson was emotional and struggling for words as the sun reappeared and soaked Gander, N.L., in its light.

“It was just remarkable, just an amazing experience,” said Neilson, a Memorial University astrophysicist who made the trip from St. John’s with some students.

“Just before totality, feeling …