Today marks 25 years since thousands gathered across the county to watch a total eclipse.
The moon passed over the sun at 11.20am on August 11, 1999, plunging Sussex into darkness.
The spectacle was watched by hundreds of thousands across the county, including around 10,000 who flocked to Brighton beach for the event.
Despite the summer warmth, people wrapped up warm as the temperature plummeted when the sun was blotted out.
Thinking it was night, confused seagulls flew out to sea to roost.
Brighton city centre came to a halt as people stopped to view the event, with shops and cafes emptying as staff and customers crowded into the forecourt of Churchill Square.
At Beachy Head near Eastbourne, hundreds lined the cliff top to stare out to watch as the eclipse’s shadow swept across the coast.
READ MORE: Photos show how summer holidays in Brighton have changed over the years
Meanwhile, at the Herstmonceux Science Centre, hundreds gathered to watch the eclipse as it was projected onto large screens by a telescope.
The eclipse did not affect Gatwick flights, but the runway lights were switched on for a short time as the south coast was plunged into darkness.
It will be a long wait for budding skygazers as the next total eclipse to be visible from the UK isn’t expected until September 23, 2090.
But, all is not lost as a partial eclipse will be visible from Brighton on March 29, 2025, at around 11am.
Click on the photo gallery at the top of the story to see all of our pictures.
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