Millions of people across the UK and Europe looked to the skies on Wednesday as a rare solar eclipse created a spectacular celestial show, with parts of Europe experiencing a dramatic period of darkness.
The August 12 eclipse was the most significant solar eclipse visible from the UK since 1999. Across much of Britain, the Moon covered more than 90% of the Sun, while some areas saw coverage of up to 96%. The Royal Observatory Greenwich described it as the biggest eclipse visible from the UK and Ireland since the famous 1999 event.
The spectacle was even more dramatic in parts of northern Spain, Iceland and Greenland, where observers were able to witness a total solar eclipse. During totality, the Moon completely blocked the Sun, briefly turning daylight into darkness and revealing the Sun's outer atmosphere, or corona.
In Spain, large crowds gathered at viewing locations along the narrow path of totality. Tourists, astronomy enthusiasts and families travelled to the region hoping for clear skies and a glimpse of one of nature's most striking spectacles.
In the UK, the eclipse was partial rather than total. London experienced around 92% coverage at its peak, while locations farther west and north saw even greater coverage. As the Moon moved across the Sun, daylight noticeably faded in many areas, creating an unusual twilight-like atmosphere.
The event was also closely followed by astronomers and scientists. Solar eclipses provide an opportunity to study the Sun's outer atmosphere and observe changes that are difficult to detect under normal conditions.
The eclipse attracted millions of viewers across Europe, with many watching from parks, beaches, rooftops and specially organised viewing sites. Social media was quickly filled with photographs and videos showing the partially covered Sun and, from the path of totality, the dramatic moment the sky darkened.
The 2026 eclipse was particularly significant for Britain because a total solar eclipse will not cross the UK again until 2090. While the UK saw a partial eclipse this time, the level of coverage made it the country's most impressive solar eclipse since 1999.
For skywatchers, the event offered a rare reminder of the scale and precision of the solar system. For a few unforgettable minutes, millions paused their daily routines to watch the Moon pass directly between Earth and the Sun.
