PICTURES: People looked skyward as the South experienced dramatic partial solar eclipse

People across Sussex and Hampshire looked skyward as Britain experienced its most dramatic solar eclipse since 1999.

The partial eclipse began at approximately 6.18pm BST in Portsmouth, Chichester, Brighton and Eastbourne, when the Moon appeared to take a small “bite” from the Sun.

The Moon then gradually moved across the solar disc, with maximum coverage occurring at around 7.14pm. More than 90 per cent of the Sun was obscured, leaving only a narrow, brilliant crescent visible.

The eclipse ended at approximately 8.07pm, giving people a viewing window of around one hour and 49 minutes. Timings varied by a few seconds depending on the observer’s precise location. (Brighton timings, Portsmouth timings)

Although the eclipse produced a noticeable reduction in daylight, the South was not plunged into complete darkness. Observers may have noticed the light becoming unusually subdued, temperatures falling slightly and shadows appearing sharper.

Crescent-shaped patches of sunlight may also have appeared beneath trees as gaps between the leaves acted like natural pinhole projectors.

The Sun was low in the western sky, meaning people needed to find a location with a clear view towards the western horizon, away from buildings and tall trees. Views of the event depended on local weather conditions.

V2 Radio's Gary Booker watching the solar eclipse.

Credit: V2 Radio's Gary Booker and Steve Freeguard at Tangmere Airfield.

Credit: V2 Radio's Paul Williams on Rustington beach

Credit: V2 Radio's Neale Bateman on Bognor beach

Credit: V2 Radio's Neale Bateman on Bognor beach

Credit: V2 Radio's Madison Fox in Eastbourne

Ahead of the eclipse, a leading eye expert from Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in East Grinstead reminded people to take care while viewing it.

Queen Victoria Hospital is home to one of the UK’s leading specialist eye units and eye banks, providing complex corneal and oculoplastic services and supporting patients from across the country.

Mohamed Elalfy, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Queen Victoria Hospital and President of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, joined the hospital’s team in urging people not to look directly at the Sun and to use appropriate eye protection.

Mohamed said: “The safest way to enjoy the eclipse is to observe it indirectly, such as by watching a live broadcast. Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can cause damage to the retina, potentially damaging the cells responsible for sharp central vision. Crucially, the retina has no pain receptors, so people will not feel the damage as it happens.

“Symptoms may only become apparent several hours later and can include blurred vision, a central blind or dark spot, distorted vision, reduced colour perception and increased sensitivity to light. While some people recover over weeks or months, others can be left with permanent visual impairment.”

Only certified eclipse glasses meeting the ISO 12312-2 safety standard were considered safe to use. Ordinary sunglasses were not suitable, regardless of how dark they appeared, while binoculars, cameras and telescopes required professionally fitted solar filters.

People could also view the eclipse indirectly by using a pinhole projector. The Royal Observatory Greenwich provided an online broadcast from 6.10pm.

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