Hundreds gather to watch eclipse on hillside
The Letchworth and District Astronomical Society have handed out safety glasses to crowds.
Hundreds of people gathered to witness a partial solar eclipse at a hillside in Hertfordshire, UK. The Letchworth and District Astronomical Society provided safety glasses to attendees at Therfield Heath in Royston. With the Moon covering over 90% of the Sun, it was the most significant solar eclipse visible in the UK since 1999.
Royston Mayor Elizabeth Freeman, who witnessed the 1999 eclipse, expressed her delight at the large turnout, noting the pleasant atmosphere. Experts emphasized the importance of using special glasses to avoid eye damage, as regular glasses and unprotected viewing could cause lasting harm. Many safety glasses were sold out nationwide, leading to creative workarounds like using colanders as pinhole projectors.
Those who secured glasses, like 20-year-old George Turrell from Letchworth, described the experience as "rather interesting" but acknowledged the need for early preparation. Those who missed out on glasses, like 50-year-old Gerry Gani from Kelshall, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, knowing the next eclipse wouldn't occur until 2099.
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