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Solar eclipse 2015: Millions witness phenomenon, but cloud spoils spectacle for many in the south

For many in the south, the solar eclipse was spoiled by thick cloud. But hundreds of people travelled north to witness the spectacle in the Faroe Islands, more than two hundred miles north of Scotland. For some it is there first eclipse, for others - the eclipse chasers - seeing the eclipse is almost an obsession and they spend thousands of pounds every year seeing the astronomical event around the world.

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Eclipse: a skydiver's view

Getting a special view of the solar eclipse Credit: Lee Thomas

A lucky few had the ultimate view of this morning’s solar eclipse, as they took to the sky for a very special tandem skydive.

Tandam skydive student, Sean Garrett took to the sky with Tandem Skydive Instructor Michael French, while cameraman Lee Thomas floated near-by to catch the moment on camera.

Completed at GoSkydive, the UK’s premier tandem skydive centre in Salisbury, skydivers were able to experience the cosmic event like never before.

Jumping at 09:28 - when 80% of the sun was covered by the moon - from an altitude of 15,000ft, they reached speeds of 125 mph and a free-fall of up to 60 seconds, before their parachutes were deployed for a magical journey through the eerily dark sky as the moon passed over the sun.

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Solar eclipse 2015: Millions witness phenomenon, but cloud spoils spectacle for many in the south

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