Partial solar eclipse: Best pictures after people gathered at Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley

Astronomy fans across the UK were treated to an astral delight overnight as the best solar eclipse in decades was followed by the peak of the annual Perseid meteor shower on Wednesday.

More than 90% of the Sun was obscured by the Moon, the most it has been blocked above UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999.

The Yorkshire Post photographer Tony Johnson headed to popular spot Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley – here are the best pictures:

People gather to watch the partial solar eclipse over the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley, the first in the UK since 1999.
Picture by Tony Johnson.  12th August 2026

1. People gather to watch the partial solar eclipse over the Cow and Calf Rocks

People gather to watch the partial solar eclipse over the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley, the first in the UK since 1999. Picture by Tony Johnson. 12th August 2026 Photo: Tony Johnson

People gather to watch the partial solar eclipse over the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley, the first in the UK since 1999.
Picture by Tony Johnson.  12th August 2026

2. People gather to watch the partial solar eclipse over the Cow and Calf Rocks

People gather to watch the partial solar eclipse over the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley, the first in the UK since 1999. Picture by Tony Johnson. 12th August 2026 Photo: Tony Johnson

People gather to watch the partial solar eclipse over the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley, the first in the UK since 1999.
Picture by Tony Johnson.  12th August 2026

3. People gather to watch the partial solar eclipse over the Cow and Calf Rocks

People gather to watch the partial solar eclipse over the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley, the first in the UK since 1999. Picture by Tony Johnson. 12th August 2026 Photo: Tony Johnson

People gather to watch the partial solar eclipse over the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley, the first in the UK since 1999.
Picture by Tony Johnson.  12th August 2026

4. People gather to watch the partial solar eclipse over the Cow and Calf Rocks

People gather to watch the partial solar eclipse over the Cow and Calf Rocks in Ilkley, the first in the UK since 1999. Picture by Tony Johnson. 12th August 2026 Photo: Tony Johnson

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