Hundreds across Kent catch the Solar Eclipse
watch parties were held across the county for the once in a lifetime event
Hundreds gathered across Kent yesterday for the partial solar eclipse, which peaked around a quarter past seven in the evening.
The Moon obscuring more than 90% of the Sun, he fullest above UK skies since the total eclipse of 1999.
We spoke to attendees at Reculver Towers in Herne Bay, where a watch party was held by South East Kent Astronomical Society and Hertiage England.
Those watching were welcomed to look through various telescopes, as well as share solar glasses and learn more about the science behind the eclipse. They told us it was a 'spectacular' sight to behold, one person in particular saying:
"I found it astonishing. If you were a poet, you'd find some words no doubt to describe it. I think the fact that so many people come to see something which is a natural phenomenon, rare natural phenomenon, is is an indication that people care about the natural world."
On the atmosphere one attendee said:
"It went chillier, the whole atmosphere changed."
While another added:
"What really struck me was what I could feel. The kind of the energy was different.
"The light quality was really different. You know, we've been baked, haven't we, everywhere. Looking around at these fields all around Reculver, they're absolutely yellow and you just feel baked on top of this hill.
"Even the ground is hot to sit on. But when the eclipse was happening, partially covered as it was, it the quality of the light was amazing. You could feel the coolness. You know, it just felt really different."
The event was initially expected to be for fifty people, but organisers told us they were blown away by the level of enthusiasm expressed, as hundreds descended on the historic area.
the next solar eclipse is expected to happen in 2090, marking this occasion as a “once in a lifetime” event.