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 total eclipse here in the UK.

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

Bournemouth Echo:

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

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.

Bournemouth Echo:

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

Hundreds of spectators from lined up at Bournemouth Beach to see the spectacle of a lifetime.

The Needles lighthouse off the Isle of Wight shone red through the darkness and hundreds of camera flashes lit the cliffs as spectators attempted to capture the magical moment.