Solar eclipse 2021: Break in the clouds allow for brief glimpse over West Berkshire

The clouds did their best to obscure the partial solar eclipse this morning (June 10), but Newbury Weekly News photographer Phil Cannings managed to catch a glimpse of the spectacle.

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun. Because they are aligned, the Moon leaves a shadow on Earth.

Solar eclipses vary according to where the Moon is in its elliptical orbit. If it is at its closest point to Earth then it can block out most of the Sun’s rays – a total eclipse. But if it is at its furthest point from earth it doesn't block out all the light, but leaves a red ring visible – this is known as an 'annular eclipse'.

The peak time for viewing the moment when the 'biggest chunk' was missing from the Sun was around 11.15am and greenkeeper at Newbury and Crookham Golf Course, Michael Cox, managed to get this picture on his phone as the cloud passed over. David Canning also sent in a picture taken in Aldermaston.

We also managed to snap a photo outside the Newbury Weekly News offices, despite the very cloudy skies.