Eclipse watchers gathered on beaches, hilltops and in parks across the UK to witness the moon pass in front of the sun on Wednesday, describing the rare near-total solar eclipse as “unbelievable.”
People from Kent, Surrey and Sussex used solar viewing glasses, improvised pinhole cameras and even kitchen colanders to safely observe the spectacular celestial event. With temperatures rising into the 30s, many spectators turned the solar eclipse into a picnic and outdoor celebration.
Taking place between 18:20 and 20:10 BST, the near-total solar eclipse gave people across the UK their best opportunity to see this rare astronomical phenomenon since 1999.
Cars filled the coastal roads as eclipse enthusiasts travelled to beaches stretching from Whitstable to Goring-by-Sea to watch the moon eclipse the sun.
Large crowds also gathered across the South Downs and at scenic locations including Tunbridge Wells Common in Kent and Ockham Common in Surrey to experience the remarkable solar eclipse.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk