This morning's return to work featured an astronomical event, as an eclipse of the sun greeted commuters across parts of Ireland.

The partial eclipse was visible between 8.30am and 9.30am for those with a clear view of the north-eastern horizon, despite cloudy conditions obscuring the view of some.

The eclipse was visible throughout Europe and covered about 40% of the sun's surface, although the broadest encroachment across the sun's surface took place below the horizon in Ireland.

But despite the shrouded view and not quite ringside seats, Ireland was still a fairly successful observation point as dense cloud in London, Paris and Rome completely obscured the event.

Sweden however, was given a rare treat with good visibility and an eclipse in the region of 85%. The country only has such an opportunity about once every 45 years and their next full solar eclipse won't be until 2126.

Ireland on the other hand only has to wait until September 23, 2090 until it's next full solar eclipse.

According to enthusiasts on the Irishastronomy.org forum said that the best views were in the south of Ireland, and also in the small spot of Old Parish just outside Dungarvan in County Waterford, where a clearing in the fog offered a view through the weather.

This wasn't everyone's experience unfortunately, with one forum member, Dave Lillis, saying: "Typical weather, I was listening to the radio when I noticed a tiny sliver of clear sky right on the south eastern horison at 9am, and lads, there is was for about 15 seconds, the sun with a nice chunk missing out of it, ran for the camera but when I came back to it the clouds had just covered it."

(DW)