Birmingham witnessed one of the greatest solar eclipses it has seen tonight, with incredible photos captured across the region. It was estimated that 91.79 per cent of the sun was blocked out in the West Midlands at around 7.12pm.
This was the fullest eclipse the area has seen since 1999, and another eclipse of this scale is not expected to take place again until 2081, making it a rare phenomenon that people didn't want to miss.
Crowds Gather at Beauty Spots
While crowds gathered in local beauty spots including Barr Beacon and Sutton Park, photos were sent in from across the region as BirminghamLive reported live on the special occasion. Readers captured the sun as just a slither poked through, and others sent photos of all the phases of the eclipse in stunning imagery.
The event caused a noticeable dimming as the skies turned dark with a unique silvery light cast across the West Midlands and beyond.
What's Next for Eclipse Watchers
The next total solar eclipse will occur on August 2, 2027. It will be visible across southern Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East, with a partial eclipse visible in the UK and other parts of Europe.
But it won't be anywhere near as special as the one we have just witnessed. In London, observers can expect about 42% coverage of the sun during the morning hours.
Stunning Images from the Region
A stunning image of the eclipse captured between the clouds in Halesowen. The solar eclipse as seen in Kings Heath. Crowds gathered at Barr Beacon for a wonderful view of the eclipse. The eclipse captured in Birmingham (Image: Natasha Boazman-Hollett). Crowds gathered at Barr Beacon with specialist viewing equipment to watch the eclipse in all its glory. A moody shot of the eclipse taken in Halesowen. The eclipse at Barr Beacon. Another shot of the eclipse taken in the West Midlands (Image: Natasha Boazman-Hollett). The moon slowly taking over the sun during the solar eclipse in Birmingham (Image: Natasha Boazman-Hollett).
