Millions watch rare total solar eclipse sweep over Europe

Millions of people in Europe have cast their eyes to the sky as a rare total solar eclipse plunged parts of the continent into complete darkness.

It was the first total solar eclipse in more than a century for Spain, and the country offered some of the best views in mainland Europe. The solar spectacle also passed over parts of Greenland and Iceland.

Totality — when the moon completely covers the sun’s light — began late on Wednesday (Thursday AEST) over Russia’s far north, and lasted about two and half minutes, reaching its maximum stretch off Iceland’s coast.

Millions of people in other nations didn’t miss the chance to see parts of the solar spectacle.

Coming at the height of a scorching European summer and deadly wildfires, they flocked to viewing sites, bringing lawn chairs, umbrellas and hats.

The eclipse was expected to draw at least an additional half-million visitors, Spanish authorities said. Many followed health advice and donned solar eclipse glasses, made with special filters that block solar radiation that can damage the eyes.

Much of Spain was on alert on Wednesday as temperatures climbed above 35 degrees where the eclipse was observed

People in England saw a partial solar eclipse, with about 90 per cent of the sun covered. Land’s End, the country’s southerly point and a major tourist attraction, was packed with crowds eager for a view.

UK media described the spectacle as a once-in-a-generation event, with the next total solar eclipse not coming to Britain until 2090.

In France, hundreds of people spread out across a lawn in the Invalides district in central Paris.

The next total solar eclipse will be next year, on August 2, 2027, NASA says. It will be visible in southern Spain, North Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.

Australians will have to wait until July 2028 for their turn.