Mist it? Don't worry, next eclipse in 90yrs

THIS is the spectacular sight which greeted thousands of star- gazers across the globe yesterday.

A dazzling annular eclipse of the sun appeared on the horizon for the first time in more than 80 years.

The best views to be had were from the Earth's far north - Iceland, Greenland and Norway.

But the phenomenon was also clearly visible in eastern and southern Europe. In Britain, enthusiasts had to travel to the north coast of Scotland to get a view. Veteran stargazer Patrick Moore and Queen guitarist Brian May, a qualified astronomer, saw the eclipse from Tongue, Caithness.

At about 4.45am, those who watched from locations along Scotland's north coast were rewarded with a thrilling glimpse. This type of eclipse occurs when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun but is too far away to totally obscure the sun.

Anyone in Britain who missed the sight yesterday has a long wait for the next one - it's in 2093.

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