‘Was that it?’ Brits fume as they barely notice ‘overrated’ eclipse
Crowds of Brits have headed out this evening to watch the eclipse – but some have been left disappointed. Brits geared up for a major sky spectacle, as for the first time since 1999, a partial eclipse was visible across the UK and Europe.
In some areas, more than 90% of the sun was obscured by the moon starting from 6.17pm. Timing varied depending on which part of the country people were watching from. Some people have taken to X to share their experience of seeing the solar phenomenon. On X, @SekouMaraLover said: “Was that it? That was the big solar eclipse? Least impressive thing I’ve ever seen. What a waste of valuable time.” Another person penned: “I remember the 1999 eclipse. That was an anticlimax too.”
Another person on X said: “This eclipse is probably the biggest disapointment since the millenium bug.”
A fourth person wrote: “This eclipse is overrated… meh”.
The Met Office highlighted eight locations across the UK where people could expect impressive views of the eclipse, including Plymouth, Cardiff, Belfast, Birmingham, London, Inverness, Edinburgh and Newcastle.
Demand for specialist eclipse glasses soared ahead of tonight’s event, with shops and online retailers across the country selling out as people scramble to safely watch the spectacle.
Some people were unable to see the eclipse due to cloudy conditions.
However, across the country, plenty of Brits managed to see the eclipse, taking to social media to share their photos.
At Land’s End, the UK’s most southerly point, crowds fell silent in awe as 98.5% of the sun became covered by the moon.
Hundreds gathered on a cliff top overlooking the Channel and the Celtic Sea ahead of the phenomenon. Many had travelled from far and wide to catch a glimpse of the first eclipse in nearly three decades.
Susan Carpenter, 70, drove down to Cornwall from Newbury, Berks, on Wednesday morning with her husband, daughter and grandson.
In Iceland, a total eclipse was seen. NASA shared footage capturing the dramatic moment totality began in Iceland as the Moon moved fully in front of the Sun.