Hundreds converged in the Foxconn parking lot of Lordstown with Youngstown State University's Physics and Astronomy Department Monday for the Total Solar Eclipse phenomenon, which included an opportunity to from astronomers during a watch party. 

At 1 o'clock, gates opened in Lordstown to gear up for the moment. People began to trickle in, with lawn chairs and special shades, ready to go.

YSU's astronomy department, Ward Beecher Planetarium co-hosted the watch party and YSU experts said they have waited most of their life to see this. 

"I've been teaching about eclipses for over 30 years," Dr. Patrick Durrel, Director of the YSU astronomy department said, "I have seen partial eclipses, I have never seen a total solar eclipse myself."

By 2 o'clock, the parking lot bustled with excitement. Families and kids gathered around, and many waited in long lines to observe the sun through telescopes provided by YSU.

Foxconn's large parking lot left lots of space for people to set up, eat snacks, relax and enjoy the view, as astronomers made announcements on loudspeakers to inform the crowd of each stage during the eclipse until the moment of totality, which lasted about one minute and 30 seconds. 

Hopes were high for those who attended, counting on clear skies, and the Total Solar Eclipse did not disappoint. 

Some folks even traveled from Texas and Maryland to experience the action in the Mahoning Valley. 

Once the clock hit about 3:16, people clapped, cheered and enjoyed the moment of totality. 

"It was amazing," Karen Day of Berlin Center said, watching with her husband, "I mean just unbelievable the way it looked."