‘Phenomenal’ sight as millions wowed by once-in-a-generation solar eclipse

Jack Grey
Live reporter

Image source, EPA

Millions across the UK have witnessed the most significant solar eclipse since 1999, with some across Europe witnessing the total darkness of a total eclipse.

Here’s how the day played out:

The frantic search for eclipse glasses

Eclipse glasses have been flying off the shelves of UK shops, and so purchasing a pair on the day of the eclipse was a challenge for thousands.

In Cardiff, some shoppers were able to locate some for the hefty price of £20 per pair, while many missed out in Edinburgh in a rush to get a free pair from the local astronomical society.

First glimpses of the eclipse

At about 17:50 BST, the first images of the solar eclipse began from Iceland, about an hour before the country would experience the complete darkness of the totality.

Partial eclipse hits UK

At about 18:20 BST, the first images were seen of the eclipse in the UK. At a Cornwall beach party the atmosphere was “absolutely buzzing” as the eclipse came into view, with the organiser telling us people were looking up to the sky “amazed”.

There was a “mellow yellow” tone in Greenwich as all eyes turned to the sky and the Parakeets began their evening song.

Totality hits Spain

At about 19:30 BST, the Moon blotted out the Sun in parts of Spain as onlookers were treated to a rare total eclipse.

A BBC reporter in Benevente, Spain, recounted nobody uttered a word as the light faded from the sky, or the following 84 seconds of darkness.