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Crowds gathered last night to witness the biggest solar eclipse of this millennium so far - a natural phenomenon that will not be repeated for more than 50 years.
The beaches in Southsea, Eastney, Stokes Bay and Lee-on-the-Solent busy, and plenty of people headed to high ground such as Portsdown Hill and Butser Hill. On Southsea Common there were entertainers such as fire dancers among families picnicking or simply there to witness the moment the earth darkened.
Here are a selection of great pictures from around the area, including the main image that was created by Damon Vincent in Bosham, West Sussex - thanks to all of our contributors.
5. The eclipse taken at Portsdown Hill in Portsmouth by Jayne Thorne - August 12, 2026
The eclipse taken at Portsdown Hill in Portsmouth by Jayne Thorne - August 12, 2026 | -
6. The Solar Eclipse from Gunwharf Quays. With my eldest daughter (17) seeing her first Eclipse. Lovely atmosphere down there. I was letting other children view through my eclipse glasses throughout I had a queue, as so many were unable to get hold of the glasses was so rewarding watching the wonder on the children's faces of being able to see it 😊 Susie Bell
The Solar Eclipse from Gunwharf Quays. With my eldest daughter (17) seeing her first Eclipse. Lovely atmosphere down there. I was letting other children view through my eclipse glasses throughout I had a queue, as so many were unable to get hold of the glasses was so rewarding watching the wonder on the children's faces of being able to see it 😊 Susie Bell | -
7. I thought you might be interested in this photograph I took of today's solar eclipse from Whiteley, Hampshire with my professional camera. I managed to capture a clear view of the crescent Sun during the eclipse and have attached the original high-resolution photograph. No AI has been used in this photo. You're very welcome to use the image for your coverage online or in print, with the photo credited to Matthew Edison. Location: Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire Date: 12 August 2026 Photographer: Matthew Edison Please let me know if you'd like any further information or additional photographs. Kind regards, Matthew Edison
I thought you might be interested in this photograph I took of today's solar eclipse from Whiteley, Hampshire with my professional camera. I managed to capture a clear view of the crescent Sun during the eclipse and have attached the original high-resolution photograph. No AI has been used in this photo. You're very welcome to use the image for your coverage online or in print, with the photo credited to Matthew Edison. Location: Whiteley, Fareham, Hampshire Date: 12 August 2026 Photographer: Matthew Edison Please let me know if you'd like any further information or additional photographs. Kind regards, Matthew Edison | Matthew Edison
8. The eclipse from Lee-on-the-Solent, taken by Deborah Lloyd
The eclipse from Lee-on-the-Solent, taken by Deborah Lloyd | -