It looked as if DeKalb County might be shielded from the latest celestial event crossing the afternoon skies, but the clouds and rain broke just in time for the 2024 solar eclipse Monday.

The eclipse began at 12:44 p.m. locally, with its peak occurring at 2:03 p.m. It was then that a rare crescent sun appeared with the moon covering around 95 percent. While not as impressive as the total solar eclipse experienced in the area in 2017, the phenomenon drew onlookers from all over the county.

Many local residents took part in a viewing party at Justin Potter Library in Smithville where nearly 500 solar eclipse glasses were given away. Young and old stared up at the sky, wearing protective glasses, to take in the heavenly wonder.

During the rare celestial event, the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting a large shadow. In areas of totality, from Texas to Maine, the entire sun is obscured allowing a view of the sun’s corona, seen as rays. Outside the path of totality, including Middle Tennessee, we are in the edge of the shadow, resulting in a crescent effect.

The next total solar eclipse won't be until the year 2044.