Hundreds of Long Islanders came out to Jones Beach State Park Monday to watch the solar eclipse together.

News 12's Kevin Vesey was there to get reaction from some of the people who attended.

Hundreds also gathered at the Cradle of Aviation Museum to watch Monday’s solar eclipse. A collective cheer arose from the crowd around 3:25 p.m. when the moon blocked almost all of the sun.

“It’s a chance to look up instead of down at your phone," said Cradle of Aviation Museum president Andrew Parton.

Peter Angione, of Levittown, had an extra special reason to celebrate:

Monday was his 55th birthday. He wore a shirt that read “I blew out the sun on my birthday."

Some kids skipped school to watch and Ravi Anand of Jericho said he left work early to experience the solar eclipse with his daughter.

Those who purchased admission to the Cradle of Aviation Museum received a complimentary pair of the special eclipse glasses.

Students from the Commack School District and Central Islip High School turned the eclipse into a big science lesson.

They learned about Monday’s celestial wonder outside the classroom.

The hands-on experience was the first time that students got a chance to experience the one-of-a-kind event as a school community.

All of the students and staff wore protective glasses while viewing the eclipse.