ERIE, Pa. — Hundreds of people gathered at Liberty Park in Erie to share the eclipse experience on Monday.
For 3 minutes and 41 seconds, it got dark and several degrees colder. It was very sudden going into the eclipse and just as fast coming out of it.
"This was like magic. This was not something that I can ever imagine, I had tears in my eyes," said Harsha Tilokani, Virginia.
The partial eclipse started at about 2 p.m., and everyone's eyes were glued to the sky.
At exactly 3:16 p.m., the moon went in front of the sun.
People cheered as the eclipse reached full totality.
"It was incredible. I can't even describe it. Pictures don't do it justice. It was amazing. Once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Jason Bryham, Philadephia.
"I thought it was so cool, the moon covering up the sun," said Ryell Martin, Pittsburgh.
Newswatch 16 caught up with some folks from Northeastern Pennsylvania. One crew drove from both Moosic and Pleasant Mount.
"As it got closer, I realized it's a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I just thought, why not? When am I going to get to do this again and with friends? It's just an experience to have," said Marilyn Regan, Moosic.
"I was going to come no matter what. If everybody else said no, I don't want to go, I was coming anyway; if I just had to sit in the car somewhere and [look up]," said Jim Knapp, Pleasant Mount.
"I don't think I'll be able to experience this again in my life, so I'm here to do it. He wanted to come anyway, so we're coming," said Maria Knapp, Pleasant Mount.
Afterward, people were wide-eyed and excited.
"It got so cold, and then it got so dark, and all of a sudden, it was luminescent and beautiful. I really am glad I'm here," Allison Dichoso said.
The next time Erie County will be in the path of totality is the year 2144.