So how was it for you? Did you prepare? Were you ready with your shaded glasses and a flask? Had you booked the morning off?
Well, it didn't disappoint, with some of the most beautiful and eye-wateringly moving images of Manchester ever recorded.
Here's just a selection of the very best.
Manchester's clouds acting as a brilliant alternative to those of us who forgot to get #eclipse goggles pic.twitter.com/pMhYhQG7tq
— Chris Long (@RhinocerYes) March 20, 2015
Stunning, we think you'll agree. But how about this?
Incredible partial eclipse scenes in Manchester. #eclipse #Manchester pic.twitter.com/TtgDgwfKr1
— Rebecca Nicholl (@rebeccanicholl) March 20, 2015
Amazing - have you ever seen anything like it?
Today's solar eclipse, a rare astronomical spectacle set to thrill billions. Or if you live in Manchester... pic.twitter.com/unB96jSwML
— Carl D (@Cajosolu) March 20, 2015
Brilliant - brings a tear to the eye. We're not sure if this one is any good though...
* BREAKING * Parklife have the exclusive photo of the eclipse over Manchester. #eclipse2015 pic.twitter.com/S04ozD9duI
— Parklife 2015 (@Parklifefest) March 20, 2015