Many of us go about our daily lives without considering the intricate workings of the solar system. However, during a solar eclipse, when the moon’s silhouette gracefully crosses the sun’s disc, we are given a rare opportunity to witness the precise movements of celestial bodies.
Over at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, the historic home of the Prime Meridian, the partial eclipse commenced at 10.07am. Spectators marveled as the moon seemed to take a bite out of the sun’s edge, a sight that left them in awe of nature’s magnificence.
Attendees, equipped with eclipse glasses, had front-row seats to the spectacular show unfolding in the sky.
People watched as the moon appeared to take nibble from the edge of the sun
Eclipse chasers watched together at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich
As the eclipse reached its peak an hour later, wispy clouds floated across the sun, adding a touch of drama to the celestial event without obstructing the view.
Enthusiasts lined up at telescopes prepared by amateur astronomers, offering a close-up view that revealed sunspots, each as large as the Earth itself.
Members of the public queued up to see the eclipse through a telescope
Ancient civilizations also gazed up at the sky during eclipses, often with fear and superstition, interpreting them as ominous signs.
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Today, our understanding of lunar transits in front of the sun is advanced, allowing us to predict these events well in advance, including their timing and location.
A Solarscope, used for indirectly observing the sun
Partial eclipses, where only a faint shadow of the moon falls on the Earth, occur somewhat regularly. In contrast, total eclipses, where the sun is completely obscured and darkness envelops the day, are much rarer occurrences.
Those eager to witness a total eclipse in the UK will have to wait until 2090. However, there is an opportunity in August 2026 in Iceland and northern Spain for eclipse chasers to experience this extraordinary event.
Eclipse enthusiasts, captivated by the enchanting spectacle, have likely already secured their tickets for these upcoming celestial shows.