Eclipse 2017: Earthquake rocks Americas just HOURS before historic blackout
CENTRAL America has been rocked by an earthquake just hours before the first total solar eclipse since 1918.
Experts reveal the 'SAFEST' glasses to watch next solar eclipse
The magnitude 5.0 earthquake hit 50 miles off the coast of Mexico's Chiapas region this afternoon, according to officials.
It comes just hours before the solar eclipse plunges the United States into darkness today, in a phenomenon lasting roughly 40 minutes.
The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) said the quake, which struck at 2pm local time, had a depth of 10km.
The earthquake happened off shore, near Mexico
The GDACS said on its website: "The earthquake happened off shore, near Mexico, State of Chiapas (population 3,524,501).
"The distance to the nearest coast is 79km.
"The nearest airports are Tapachula International (runway 6500ft, 92km). The nearest ports are Puerto Madero (83km)."
The earthquake quake hit 50 miles off the coast of Mexico's Chiapas region
Solar eclipse: The United States will be plunged into darkness today
Millions of Americans are gathering along a 70-mile-wide, 2,500-mile-long stretch from Oregon to South Carolina to watch the spectacle.
Southern-most Illinois will see the most darkness at two minutes and 44 seconds.
It is expected to be the most observed and most photographed eclipse in history due to the rise of smartphones.
Millions of Americans are gathering to watch the solar eclipse 2017
Up to five solar eclipses occur each year, but each one is visible only within a limited band across the Earth's surface where the moon's shadow happens to fall.
Over the British Isles, a partial eclipse will be visible if skies are clear for about an hour from around 7.30pm UK time.
A NASA-linked website, eclipse.stream.live, and a companion mobile app will provide a live stream of the historic solar eclipse.