‘The colander worked best!’ Guardian readers share their experience of the solar eclipse

On Wednesday evening, millions of people across Europe witnessed a remarkable solar eclipse. To share their unique experiences, we asked several individuals to recount their observations and photographs of this spectacular celestial event. Here are some of their stories:

Deniz, a 45-year-old artist from Glasgow, recalled viewing the eclipse through her husband's welding visors in cloudy Loch Lubnaig. David, a 57-year-old resident of Hampstead, London, shared his experience of watching the rare phenomenon with dozens of people using cereal boxes and colanders on Hampstead Heath as the light faded.

Amelia, a 19-year-old receptionist from Nuneaton, Warwickshire, expressed her excitement and desire to capture the moment through photography. She mentioned that the atmosphere felt completely different during the eclipse and that it was amazing to witness the sky changing before her eyes.

Matt, a 38-year-old from Eastry, Kent, recounted their family's experience of watching the eclipse from Deal beach with homemade viewing devices. They found the colander to be the most effective method, and the entire event felt like a special and memorable experience.

James, a 64-year-old retired attorney from Sonoma County, California, noted the community spirit surrounding the eclipse. He witnessed many people using various contraptions to view the event, highlighting the unifying nature of the occasion.

Luke, a 30-year-old lawyer from Islington, London, mentioned seeing the eclipse through his camera from his front door, which provided a direct view of the event. He shared his excitement and shared the experience with his wife, who joined him to witness the eclipse.

Sarah, a 31-year-old admin worker from Alcester, Warwickshire, recounted a gathering with her neighbors, who watched the eclipse using colanders and pizza boxes. The experience allowed them to take a moment to appreciate nature and the community around them, as the sun's reflection through the colander created crescent circles of light on the pizza box.

Annayah, a 31-year-old lecturer from Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, expressed her appreciation for the colander contraption during the eclipse. She mentioned the joy of sharing the experience with her community, especially as this was the first eclipse she had seen in person since 1999.

Laura Ngo, a 41-year-old from Essex, shared her experience watching the eclipse with her siblings, parents, and husband. Her sister secured the glasses, as Laura initially doubted they would have a clear view. Laura expressed her delight in capturing the community spirit of the event, including giving glasses to those without them. The social gathering was described as cozy, with a community feel on the beach.

Pauline Vandewiele, a 30-year-old interior architect from northern Belgium, watched the eclipse with her family, including her siblings, parents, and husband. When her sister secured the glasses, Pauline mentioned how the event became a cozy social gathering, with her sister handing out glasses to those who needed them. The collective experience left a lasting impression on Pauline and her family.