On the 31st of May 2003 there was a solar eclipse visible from the north of Scotland at dawn. And in late May that means 4:40 am !
Unfortunately it was quite foggy in the morning, however the eclipse did put in a short appearance for the 100 or so waiting for it.
A fairly clear sky with just a little high cloud could be seen on arrival, somewhat delayed by the fog. The clouds initially had a little reddish colour to them but this disappeared as the 'maximum' time approached.
The ambient light had remained quite constant in the hour or so leading up to 04:40 as the rising sun was countered by the moon covering more of it. After the eclipse it brightened very rapidly.
Images taken from Dornoch with the sun rising over Helmsdale & the Ord of Caithness
In this image the ring of fire effect can just be seen, although the areas to the side of the moon are showing the best.
This was the last view as the sun and moon rose into some cloud. As can be seen the surrounding have brightened considerably from the first image.
