Thousands of people gathered on beaches, hilltops, and parks across the UK to witness a rare near-total solar eclipse on Wednesday. The celestial event, described by observers as "incredible," offered the best view of a solar eclipse in the UK since 1999.
From approximately 18:20 to 20:10 BST, the Moon obscured most of the Sun, drawing crowds to coastal areas and scenic viewpoints. Beaches from Whitstable to Goring-by-Sea saw queues of cars as enthusiasts sought prime viewing spots. Spectators also flocked to the South Downs and beauty spots like Tunbridge Wells Common in Kent and Ockham Common in Surrey.
Many attendees made the occasion a social event, picnicking and celebrating in the sunshine as temperatures reached the low 30s Celsius. Observers utilized solar glasses and improvised viewing devices, such as pinhole cameras made with kitchen colanders, to safely watch the Moon's passage across the Sun.
In locations like Lamberhurst, Kent, the Moon covered the majority of the Sun, leaving a bright crescent of light against an orange sky. Similarly, Worthing in West Sussex displayed a striking crescent Sun against a dark sky, with rays emanating from the visible portion.
Spectators also employed creative viewing methods. In Hastings, East Sussex, a colander was used to project multiple crescent-shaped images of the Sun onto a piece of paper.
The event provided a significant astronomical spectacle, with crowds traveling to find unobstructed views of the rare phenomenon. The last comparable near-total solar eclipse visible across the UK occurred in August 1999.