A BBC Breakfast guest emotionally dedicated Wednesday's solar eclipse to his late brother, who had spent years trying to witness the celestial event before his death a decade ago.
During Thursday 13 August coverage, hosts Charlie Stayt and Sarah Campbell featured a video interview from Jayne McCubbin, who joined hundreds of people watching the spectacle at Jodrell Bank. Speaking to a member of the public named Andy, the guest explained that his brother, Pete, had tried several times to see a solar eclipse but never succeeded.
A brother's dying wish fulfilled
Andy said: "He tried three or four times to travel. Every time he got to where he was going, it was cloudy. I think the last time was somewhere in China. He missed it!"
When asked how long his brother had been gone, Andy emotionally replied: "He's gone ten years!" While viewing the eclipse through special glasses, Andy said: "Right, this one's for you, Pete!"
Best eclipse in decades
On Wednesday, astronomy fans across the UK were treated to the best solar eclipse in decades, with more than 90% of the Sun obscured by the Moon – the most blocked above UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999. Crowds gathered at viewing spots including the Royal Observatory Greenwich, Stonehenge in Wiltshire, Calton Hill in Edinburgh, and outside Queen's University in Belfast, using special glasses and homemade viewers made from cereal boxes and colanders.
Perseid meteor shower follows
Hours after the eclipse, stargazers enjoyed the Perseid meteor shower, which peaked in the early hours of Thursday morning. Those in rural areas had a better chance of a clear glimpse. The shower occurs as Earth ploughs through a stream of dust left behind by Comet Swift–Tuttle.
BBC Breakfast airs at 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
