PHOTOS: Solar Eclipse Wows Washington Square Park

WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK, NY — Hundreds of amateur astronomers packed into Washington Square Park on Monday afternoon to see the solar eclipse, which wowed crowds around the nation and city.

The park's usual lunchtime crowds grew steadily until 2:44 p.m., the time at which the eclipse was projected to show the best view in New York City. Sun watchers spontaneously broke out into applause at that time, when the sun was largely obscured by the moon. Sky-gazers brought an array of methods to look at the sun: Some made their own viewers using cereal boxes and aluminum, others grabbed free glasses before distributors ran out, and still others took a risk and squinted up at the sky, despite cautions that doing so without protection is damaging to the cornea.

If you missed this one, don't worry: Another solar eclipse is expected to be visible from NYC in seven years, and the view is supposed to be even better.

Want to relive the eclipse? You can watch Patch's livestream from Washington Square Park here:

All images via Ciara McCarthy / Patch.