VIRGINIA BEACH, Va — Monday's solar eclipse captured the attention of people across the country.
Even though we weren't in the path of totality, thousands gathered around Hampton Roads to get a rare glimpse of the event.
Some people said they had witnessed a solar eclipse previously in 2017, but for 10-year-old Sophia Davis, it was her first time.
"I was like the sun was cut in half, but it's really, really cool," said Sophia.
She was one of many witnesses to Monday's solar eclipse and described the experience as pretty sweet.
"It looked like a cookie that someone took a bite out of it," said Sophia.
Scripps News
Timeline: Total solar eclipse takes its final bow over the US
This is the second time in seven years most of America was able to witness a solar eclipse. For Audrey Brooks, it was her third time.
"When I was in high school in the 1970s, I first saw it," said Brooks. "All we had then was the paper where you poke a hole in the paper just to view it."
According to NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton Roads viewed what's called a partial eclipse.
"A partial eclipse is when the moon only partially covers the sun, and a total eclipse is when the sun and moon align perfectly where the sun is completely covered by the moon, and all you see is that beautiful corona on the outside," said Andrew McCrea, an Aerospace Engineer.
On Monday certain locations like First Landing State Park held a viewing party for the eclipse and sold out of the glasses shortly after having some on sale.
If you missed the eclipse, you'll have to wait a while for another one to cover the United States. The next one is set to hit in 2044.
