MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphians took a break from what they were doing Monday afternoon to witness a solar eclipse.

Dozens gathered at Tom Lee Park and on the bluff above the Mississippi River to view the rare phenomenon.

For a few minutes, the skies got darker, and the temperatures got cooler. For some, it was a religious experience.

“It’s amazing just to see how God. You know there really is a God,” said Lydia Bonner. “No matter what you want to call it, there’s somebody doing beautiful things up there.”

The partial eclipse began in the Memphis area at around 12:37 p.m., and the maximum eclipse viewing took place at 1:58 p.m. I ended at 3:14 p.m.

The eclipse’s path of totality stretched from Mazatlán, Mexico, to Newfoundland, an area that crosses 15 U.S. states and is home to 44 million people.

“It’s really cool to be outside and witness this. It’s very interesting,” said spectator Shelby Johnson.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the view of the sun as it passes. When the moon completely blocks the sun’s light, it’s called a total solar eclipse.

Memphis was not in the path of totality, but onlookers in the Bluff City didn’t seem to mind and were in awe of what they were seeing.

“It’s amazing. It’s wonderful. I might not be back for the next one, so I’m glad I’m here,” said Janet Wilson.

According to NASA, the next total solar eclipse will occur in North America on Aug. 23, 2044.