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Millions witness UK and Europe's most dramatic solar eclipse since 1999

Millions across the UK and Europe are thought to have witnessed a significant solar eclipse, with parts of Spain experiencing a total eclipse.

  • The UK experienced a partial eclipse, with most areas seeing over 90% of the Sun covered, peaking shortly after 19:00 BST.
  • Parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain witnessed a total solar eclipse.
  • The event was the UK's most dramatic solar eclipse since 1999.

Millions in the UK and Europe are believed to have observed the most dramatic solar eclipse in nearly 30 years. In the UK, viewers experienced a partial eclipse, with the Moon obscuring more than 90% of the Sun for most regions, peaking shortly after 19:00 BST. Cornwall saw up to 95% coverage.

Meanwhile, parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain were treated to the spectacle of a total eclipse. The path of the total eclipse began in Siberia, curving through the Arctic Ocean to Iceland before sweeping southwards. In Spain, the Sun, Moon, and Earth were perfectly aligned at approximately 19:30 BST (20:30 local time), creating a total eclipse.

Crowds at viewing sites across the UK and Europe reacted with gasps and cheers. Many in central and southern England and Wales enjoyed clear skies for an unrivalled view. Despite cloudier conditions in northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, crowds still gathered at landmarks.

Solar eclipse glasses were in short supply, but people used alternatives like colanders, cereal boxes, and paper to safely view the partial eclipse. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking some or all of the Sun's light.

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