Nathan Howe, born during the 1999 solar eclipse in Liverpool, is celebrating his 27th birthday as another eclipse captures global attention. This time, he is marking the occasion in Lake Como, Italy, with his partner Olivia.
A Birth That Made Headlines
Nathan was born at Liverpool Women's Hospital on August 11, 1999, just as the sky began to darken over the city. His birth was featured in the Liverpool ECHO under the headline “Birth put eclipse in shade.” His mother, Joyce Ashworth, then 21, had been watching the eclipse build-up on TV in the delivery room but stopped once her baby arrived.
She told the ECHO at the time: “We were watching the build-up to the eclipse in the delivery room, but I stopped concentrating once the baby came. I watched the footage afterward, but it wasn't as good as having my own baby.”
Dad Stuck in Traffic
Nathan's father, Barry Howe, then 31, was working in Bedford and rushed back for the birth but got stuck in motorway traffic. By the time he learned of Nathan's arrival, he was only as far as Birmingham. He told the ECHO: “The baby wasn't due for another two weeks, and I was working in Bedford. I was rushing back for the birth, but I was only at Birmingham when Joyce's sister rang to say Nathan had been born. I watched the sky get dark instead.”
Nathan spent time in the special care baby unit, but his parents always knew they had an extraordinary story to tell him. They said: “We will tell him that he was born on a very special day.”
A Story That Endures
Now 27 and working as a valet, Nathan stands 6ft 3in. He said the original ECHO article has always been part of his life: “I've always had it in the house and seen it about. Every birthday, it gets brought out.” He added: “For me, it's quite nice to see the picture in the newspaper.”
His grandparents, Marie and Michael Axworthy, recalled: “Twenty-seven years ago today, Nathan Howe was born, August 11 1999, the last total eclipse of the sun. Nathan was born at 10.57am as the sky grew dark [over] Liverpool Women’s Hospital. Nathan is now 6ft 3, living life to the fullest, and certainly is a ray of sunshine to everyone he meets. Today, he is celebrating his birthday and the partial eclipse in Italy with his partner, Olivia.”
Partial Eclipse Over the UK
On Wednesday, August 12, the UK will experience a partial solar eclipse for the first time in almost three decades. The Moon will pass and block over 90% of the Sun, darkening the sky and leaving a glowing crescent. The peak will occur between 7.05pm and 7.16pm, depending on location.
