Your photos of the solar eclipse

Millions of people in the UK and northern Europe have glimpsed the best solar eclipse in years, with large areas plunging into deep shadow. Here is a selection of photos of the event sent in by BBC News website readers.

A plane passes by the sun during the initial stages of the solar eclipse over Blackburn, EnglandDavid Cook

Clear viewing opportunities were restricted by the cloud cover that shrouded much of the country but David Cook from Blackburn, England, managed to capture the moment a plane passed across the sun during the initial stages of the eclipse.

Birds sit in trees in Aberystwyth during the solar eclipseRob Johnson

The exact moment of greatest darkness for UK sky watchers was dependent on their location. Rob Johnson from Aberystwyth, Wales, sent in this image.

Students at Nailsea School, Bristol, England, watching the eclipseBrian Powell

Witnessing a solar eclipse is a rare and memorable experience. But, without the right precautions, it can also be dangerous. This image, sent in by Brian Powell, shows the extreme care taken by students at Nailsea School, Bristol, England.

Basel, SwitzerlandCameron Barton

Cameron Barton from Basel, Switzerland,

Cat looking at a shadow of the eclipse on a wall in LeicestershireNigel Hancock

The Sun's rays are so intense you can feel their warmth from 150 million km away. That's why looking at the Sun directly, even for a few seconds, can seriously damage your eyes. Nigel Hancock's cat had the perfect vantage point for viewing his pinhole projection.

A bird flies in the foreground during a solar eclipse over Birmingham, EnglandKeith & Catriona Stewart

Few land areas were directly in the path of the Moon's deepest shadow - its so-called umbra - and birds probably had the best eclipse experience. Keith and Catriona Stewart from Birmingham, England, sent in this photo.

A bird flies in the foreground during a solar eclipse over Perth And Kinross, ScotlandAlison Hendry

Alison Hendry of Perth and Kinross, Scotland, also captured a bird's flight in her image of the eclipse.

Early stage of a solar eclipse pictured over LincolnshireCharles Simpson

Irrespective of the cloud cover, scientists said citizens could still help them with their research. The National Eclipse Weather Experiment (NEWEx) asked people to record conditions at their locality. Charles Simpson made this image in Lincolnshire, England.

A glowing red image of Solar eclipse near totality over Altrincham, EnglandPaul Redgrove

In all parts of the UK the eclipse reached at least 83% and the darkness peaked at about 09:35 GMT. The precise timing and degree of the eclipse varied with location. Paul Redgrove, from Altrincham, England, captured the moments before totality.

Solar eclipse pictured in a cloudy sky over Edinburgh, ScotlandLindsey Strachan

For those caught under cloudy skies, the internet was a good option to see the eclipse. However, Lindsey Strachan from Edinburgh, Scotland, managed to take advantage of a break in the cloud cover to take this shot.

Pinhole shadow projection of the solar eclipse. The pinhole arrangement spells out the date, 20 March 2015Rebecca Beevers

Rebecca Beevers from Rugby, England, opted to observe the eclipse using the projection method - her pinholes marking out the date 20 March 2015.