LAKEVILLE — There were those who had seen a few solar eclipses in their lifetimes, and those who hadn’t. No matter what age, however, there was something novel about the experience for all those who attended Monday’s viewing of the partial solar eclipse at the Lakeville Public Library.

At 72, Stephen Chmiel, had already seen several, he said. He stopped by the library to get a few pairs of glasses before picking up his grandson — who “is big into science,” he added— so they could watch the event together at home. “I’ve seen a couple of others that were partial.” This time was different, however.

The last time he saw a solar eclipse, he didn’t have a pair of special solar viewing glasses with him. 

“There’s a lot better technology than there was years ago. We used to tape photo negatives together so it would get really dark. Or you could use a welder’s helmet,” he said, which works because of how thick it is. “I had one of those too.” 

An Acushnet resident recalled that the last time he saw a solar eclipse was when he was a child. He saw the reflection “in a cardboard box” he said, adding: “that was 80 years ago.” 

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth. Massachusetts was just outside the path of totality, which hit cities such as Cleveland, Ohio, Erie, Pa. and Burlington, Vt., so viewers in the state only saw a partial eclipse.

The phenomenon started around 2 p.m. in the Middleboro/Lakeville area, and reached its peak at about 3:30 pm, with the moon covering just over 90% of the sun’s surface.

The Lakeville library event drew a crowd of about 50 viewers, of all ages, according to library staff.

While four-year-old twins Julian and Emilia Azevedo may have been some of the youngest audience members present, they knew exactly what they were at the library for. 

“To watch the solar eclipse,” Julian responded. When asked what happens during a solar eclipse, he and his sister said: “It gets dark.” 

Their mother, Andrea Azevedo, said that she hoped there would be some “NASA stuff” shown at the event, which, she said, “they’re super into.” 

Others that came out to see the rare natural occurrence were Maia Daschke and her mother, Jen, of Lakeville. “I was like, if I don’t go see it, I’m gonna regret it,” Maia said.

Janice, a Raynham resident, explained that she was motivated to come out because she’s “always been interested in the sky, the stars and the heavens,” but also because, she said, “It might possibly be my last one. I saw one when I was six, and then I think the one in 2017.” 

The next total solar eclipse that will be seen in the contiguous United States will be on August 23, 2044.