Thousands of sky-gazers took to the hills and commons around Stroud to get the best view of Wednesday’s solar eclipse.
The most spectacular eclipse since 1999 began just around 6.20pm, with 90 per cent coverage of the sun at around 7.12pm.
Hundreds of people made their base at Amberley on Minchinhampton Common, with families and friends setting up deckchairs and making the most of the rare solar spectacle.
One motorist, who did not wish to be named, told our correspondent: “I’d planned on watching from Coaley Peak viewpoint, but when I arrived at about a quarter to six cars were lining the main road as the car park was full.
“I thought Selsley Common would be another good spot, but it was chaotic – cars abandoned on any available patch of ground.”
At Amberley people were using the much sought-after solar eclipse glasses to safely view the sun, whilst others used colanders and homemade pinhole boxes to project images of the eclipse onto sheets of white paper.
One man proudly told of how he had his glasses from 27 years ago and used them again this evening.
The next total solar eclipse visible from mainland Britain will occur on September 23, 2090, so if you have a pair of eclipse glasses it may be worth keeping them in a safe place.
Pictures by Matt Bigwood
