Here’s how New Yorkers watched the solar eclipse

Today is the big day: a rare solar eclipse that will block the sun is currently happening across North America. The eclipse began a little after 1 p.m. in New York City, reaching its peak at 2:44 p.m. There’s still a bit of time left before the event ends, so if you’re reading this and have yet to glimpse the eclipe, now’s the time to grab your special glasses—or a pinhole camera, or a piece of paper with a hole in it—and see the natural phenomenon while you still can.

In true New York fashion, people took to the streets en masse to see the eclipse as it unfolded. Dedicated watch parties at places like the American Museum of Natural History or Pioneer Works drew large crowds, but just as many New Yorkers seemed to be gathering on street corners and in public parks. Some people used cereal boxes and paper plates to throw shadows on the ground, while others who had eclipse glasses ended up sharing them with strangers who didn’t.

It was one of those rare times when a massive worldwide event brings the city together—for something good, not bad—and that’s reason enough to be happy.

Below, check out some Instagram snaps from before and during the eclipse. Got a photo you want to share? Leave it in the comments.

American Museum of Natural History

One of the city’s most popular museums is hosting what looks to be one of the most popular viewing events of the day, as shown in these Insta snaps.

Pioneer Works

The Brooklyn arts center partnered with the Amateur Astronomers Association on an eclipse-viewing event, which is already—at the start of the event—quite packed:

Central Park

Duh—of course the city’s most popular park would also be filled with people hoping to catch a glimpse of the eclipse.

Times Square

Crowds also gathered at the Crossroads of the World for the eclipse:

And now for some random, lovely shots of New Yorkers gathering around the city to see the celestial phenomenon unfold:

And Curbed photographer Max Touhey sent in these gorgeous photos: