11:34 AM PT -- The eclipse is making its way across North America -- and the people of Mexico were absolutely stoked when things went dark ... just check out this video with their reaction.

People could be heard (and barely seen) cheering on the moment the moon perfectly covered the sun. There'll surely be lots of other reactions just like this throughout the U.S.

The eclipse is happening ... the first images of the 2024 eclipse are coming in from Mexico, as totality inches close to the U.S. of A.

The moon is partially covering the sun, but as time passes the sun will be completely blocked ... thus resulting in a rare daytime darkness.

Next stop is Texas, where tens of thousands of people are gathered across the path where they can get a good view. The challenge for folks in Texas -- lots of low clouds and a fear of a tornado.

From Texas, it moves North and East ... Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, where they'll have the clearest view.

The weather is spotty -- clear in some spots, cloudy in others.

The eclipse will only last around 4 minutes. For reference, the longest known total eclipse lasted 7 minutes and 28 seconds. BTW ... that was back in 743 BC!

So get your glasses and your beer ... it's coming!!!