This is how Toronto saw the solar eclipse

As promised, Toronto saw its first major solar eclipse since 1979 on Monday afternoon.

It was aight.

With coverage estimated to have been around 75%, the 'Great American Eclipse' wasn't as intense for Canadians as it was for our friends to the south, where many in the U.S. witnessed a total eclipse.

Still, the much-hyped astronomical event drew thousands of curious people outdoors at 2:30 p.m., some of them with DIY pinhole viewers, some of them with special eclipse glasses, and most of them with smartphones.

Nathan Phillips Square is a #Toronto #SolarEclipse viewing hotspot. #solareclipse2017 #eclipse h pic.twitter.com/OuRBnbBSPN

— David Rider (@dmrider) August 21, 2017

The partial eclipse seen in Toronto wasn't enough to make our day look like night, but the skies did take on an eerie dimness in much of the city throughout the event.

Hey Toronto, it's getting darker outside. Go for a walk, look at the shadows! #SolarEclipse2017 pic.twitter.com/y8oXir7QWJ

— Luke Andrews (@attaboy) August 21, 2017

Those with the proper equipment to view and capture an eclipse on camera were happy to share their footage on Twitter.

The View from The Six... specifically The University of Toronto's Observatory Telescope, looking at the #SolarEclipse2017 #UofT pic.twitter.com/4l0QipLRQ2

— Prof. Chirag Variawa (@ChiragVariawa) August 21, 2017

Some were kind enough to let their neighbours take a peek in real life as well.

special thanks to the Toronto Amateur Astronomer who let us view sunspots through his solar scope! #SolarEclipse2017 #BlackoutAtGreenPond pic.twitter.com/HnYWysGL9a

— Allan Johnson (@allanbjohnson) August 21, 2017

For others, the event served as a social occasion. Viewing parties were held in Trinity Bellwoods Park, at The CNE, and at dozens of local businesses, connecting like-minded science fans in and around the eclipse's path.

Viewing the solar eclipse at G Adventures Base Camp Toronto. #IsAnyOneEvenWorking #gadventures #gadvlife #Eclipse2017 pic.twitter.com/ksE0j5fCc9

— Liz Lulu (@G_lizlulu) August 21, 2017

If you missed today's partial eclipse, fear not – you'll have another chance in 2024, according to NASA. After that, our region is predicted to be eclipse-free until 2099.

Trying to capture #SolarEclipse2017 in #Toronto. iPhone7 lenses almost got toasted. pic.twitter.com/leD1sbIQZy

— Gissalle (@Gissalle) August 21, 2017

Putting work on pause! Everyone is out in the financial district in downtown #Toronto, waiting for #SolarEclipse2017 pic.twitter.com/AgPTvYsV6w

— TorontoDiary.ca (@TOdiary) August 21, 2017

Hospital staff using an old X-ray film to see #SolarEclipse2017 @NatGeo in #Toronto pic.twitter.com/ln3fsFBobE

— Nigil Haroon (@NigilHaroon) August 21, 2017

When #Toronto is all sold out of eclipse glasses but you know how to DIY. Stay safe everyone! 😎 #SolarEclipse2017 #EclipseGlasses pic.twitter.com/rlmOo1YmHt

— BAASS ERP & CRM (@baassbiz) August 21, 2017

I find the crescent-shaped shadows fascinating! #solareclipse2017 #Toronto pic.twitter.com/hGOYkVH7ks

— My Kind Of Mom-Kelly (@dancingvalentin) August 21, 2017

Watched the #SolarEclipse2017 through a homemade camera obscura! North of the line of totality, Toronto got a sweet 76% 🌙 pic.twitter.com/1dHr5xcKrJ

— Ive (@ivevelikova) August 21, 2017