Today marks 24 years since thousands gathered across the county to watch a total eclipse.

Nostradamus predicted, “the monster will appear in broad daylight” while others said it could be the end of the world - thankfully the event passed with little to no trouble.

Darkness rolled across Hampshire as men, women and children gazed up at the sky. It wasn’t a monster, alien invasion or apocalyptic event - it was the solar eclipse of 1999.

The only problem may come from the clouds obscuring Southampton-based sky gazers’ view until the last moment when a crescent-shaped sun peeked through.

READ MORE: Partial solar eclipse above Southampton >>>

The city centre came to a virtual standstill as hundreds of shop and office workers flooded into the streets to watch the solar eclipse on August 11.

Daily Echo:

In Winchester crowds gathered at vantage points such as St Catherine’s Hill and Cheesefoot Head where the sun was visible through the hazy cloud.

As the sun began to peak out, Eleanor Furguson from Alresford, summed up her feelings: “I thought it was a bit spooky when it happened, but I’m glad we came to see it.”

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