Millions across Europe experienced a solar eclipse today, which temporarily darkened parts of the continent, caused temperatures to drop, and birds to fall silent. The celestial event began in Russia's remote Arctic north before moving across much of western Europe, with tens of millions in countries from the UK to northern Italy looking skyward.
The most coveted viewing experiences were found in Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, along with a small strip of Portugal, where the moon completely obscured the sun's light. This phenomenon, known as totality, drew millions of locals and thousands of tourists.
In Iceland, the country's first total solar eclipse in 72 years saw a record 31 cruise ships, carrying around 53,000 passengers and crew, navigate western waters for optimal viewing. Icelandic artist Björk hosted a day-long music festival in Víðistaðatún park, featuring a DJ-curated backdrop for the eclipse, with every ticket including approved solar eclipse glasses.
Spain anticipated some of the best views, attracting over 450,000 tourists from as far as Canada and Australia. Spanish officials estimated that up to six million people were expected to gather along the eclipse's path, which stretched approximately 124 miles (200km) from A Coruña to Mallorca. Traffic jams were reported on major routes out of Madrid and Barcelona hours before the event.
In Madrid's Parque del Oueste, hundreds cheered as the moon covered the sun, plunging the park into darkness, and gasped as the sun's outer corona formed a glowing halo. César González, an astronomer from the Madrid Planetarium, described it as "a spectacular experience," noting the sudden dimming of light, temperature drops, and changes in animal behaviour.
Even in Camberwell, south London, an impromptu crowd gathered in Brunswick Park to witness the eclipse, which reached 92% totality. Many used makeshift pinhole cameras, while others shared a telescope fitted with a solar filter.