The total eclipse is set to plunge the US, Canada and Mexico into darkness today and astronomers also predict northern and western parts of the UK will get a "small grazing" of the eclipse between 7.52pm and 8.51pm.

In light of this, the Echo looks back at when we experienced a solar eclipse here in the UK.

As the sun hid behind the moon, casting a shadow over Hampshire, residents of all ages gathered to witness the celestial phenomenon in 1999.

In Southampton, those who wanted to see the eclipse faced a challenge as clouds blocked their view. But, just in time, a crescent sun emerged through the cloudy sky.

Daily Echo: Total Eclipse of 1999 in Southampton.

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

The skies became empty and quiet as birds went to sleep thinking it was night.

Daily Echo: Total Eclipse of 1999 in Winchester.

At popular high spots in Winchester like St Catherine’s Hill and Cheesefoot Head, crowds congregated to catch a glimpse of the sun peeking through the cloudy skies.

After the big event, 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.”