![\"Hundreds](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/7abcc60765b0154f0df5418412b799bc.jpg\"\/)
<\/p>\nHundreds of people have gathered to catch a glimpse of the partial solar eclipse on a Hertfordshire hillside.<\/p>\n
The Letchworth and District Astronomical Society handed out safety glasses to crowds at Therfield Heath in Royston.<\/p>\n
With more than 90% of the Sun covered by the Moon, it was the most significant solar eclipse visible in the UK since 11 August 1999.<\/p>\n
Royston mayor Elizabeth Freeman, who also saw the 1999 eclipse, said: “This is marvellous, to see so many people up here… It’s just lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves.”<\/p>\n
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The Letchworth and District Astronomical Society gave some glasses to members of the public [Janine Machin\/BBC]<\/p>\n
Experts had urged eclipse watchers not to look directly at the Sun, warning that even brief exposure could cause lasting damage.<\/p>\n
Specialist glasses had sold out at many retailers, including those recommended by UK health officials, with Royal Museums Greenwich citing<\/a> an “unprecedented volume” of demand.<\/p>\n George Turrell, 20, from Letchworth, managed to find a pair and was on the heath with his partner Ebrielle Strickland, also 20, from Baldock, to see their first eclipse.<\/p>\n He described the eclipse as “rather interesting” but admitted there had been a “panic” to try and find a pair of safety glasses in time.<\/p>\n Some people have used a colander to safely monitor the eclipse [Janine Machin\/BBC]<\/p>\n Those unable to find glasses used other methods, including colanders<\/a> as pinhole projectors to cast multiple images of the eclipse.<\/p>\n Gerry Gani, from Kelshall, initially brought a colander to watch the rare solar event, but managed to find safety glasses before the eclipse began.<\/p>\n She said “We’re not going to be here for the next one, 2099, sorry guys.<\/p>\n “The atmosphere is incredible… It really brings out the best in people.”<\/p>\n Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.<\/p>\n Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> and X<\/a>.<\/p>\n More on this story![\"People](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/bbc_us_articles_995\/33ce99e0bf549b5a2d87eb24368b9651.jpg\"\/)
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