Astronomers and space lovers across a large part of the United States were treated to a celestial delight as a solar eclipse graced the skies Monday afternoon.

A rare total solar eclipse crossed the U.S. from the Pacific Northwest to the Southeast. The 70-mile-wide path of totality — where many experienced night for a short period of time — entered the country in Oregon and crossed 12 states before leaving in South Carolina.

In North Carolina, many experienced a partial solar eclipse, about a 90 percent eclipse. Monday's eclipse started at about 1 p.m. and lasted until roughly 4 p.m., but the main event happened at about 2:45 p.m.

Across the Carolinas, residents gathered outside their homes, in downtowns and at schools and businesses to witness the historic event.

In the areas that experienced "totality," such as Charleston, S.C., thousands of amazed spectators watched darkness briefly settle in.

Another interesting development: Crickets. Yes, in some cities including Asheville, people said they could briefly hear crickets chirping during the dark period.

The excitment was nationwide.

"It's really, really, really, really awesome," said 9-year-old Cami Smith as she watched the fully eclipsed sun from a gravel lane near her grandfather's home at Beverly Beach, Oregon.

In Boise, Idaho, people clapped and whooped, and the street lights came on briefly in the middle of the day, while in Nashville, Tennessee, people craned their necks at the sun and knocked back longneck beers at a local restaurant.

With 200 million people within a day's drive from the path of totality, towns and parks saw big crowds. Clear skies beckoned along most of the route, to the relief of those who feared cloud cover would spoil this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

NASA reported 4.4 million people were watching its TV coverage midway through the eclipse, the biggest livestream event in the space agency's history.

Health experts advised for weeks that eclipse watchers wear special glasses while outside, but people in the "totality" locations were told they could safely take off their glasses briefly.

Viewing an eclipse without proper eye protection can damage the retina, the delicate, light-sensing tissue that is responsible for your ability to read and recognize faces.

Future total solar eclipses will cross the United States in April 2024 (12 states) and August 2045 (10 states).

For more coverage, visit our Solar Eclipse 2017 page.