The UK and Europe have enjoyed their most dramatic solar eclipse for nearly 30 years, with millions thought to have witnessed the once-in-a-generation event.
Those watching the astronomical phenomenon from the UK were treated to a partial eclipse, which peaked shortly after 19:00 BST, when most saw more than 90% of the Sun covered by the Moon.
But parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain experienced the complete darkness and spectacle of a total eclipse.
Large crowds at viewing sites across the UK and Europe reacted with gasps and cheers, with astronomy enthusiasts saying it served as a reminder of how "amazing" the Universe is.
Moments before the total solar eclipse in the sky above Arcos de las Salinas, near Spain – plunging the skywatchers into darkness [Reuters]
The path of the total eclipse began at the northern tip of Siberia in Russia, far away from crowds and telescopes.
But it soon began curving around the Arctic Ocean arriving in Iceland in the early evening before sweeping southwards to treat the UK to part of its wonder.
The partial eclipse began at about 18:00 BST in northern Scotland and just before 18:20 on the south coast of England.
It was imperceivable at first, but for those blessed with cloud-free skies, crowds noticed the Moon nibbling away at the Sun.
The Moon began its journey across the Sun for the partial eclipse as seen from Asten, Netherlands [EPA/Shutterstock]
Much of central and southern England and Wales enjoyed perfect clear skies giving them an unrivalled view as the Moon moved slowly across the Sun over the course of an hour.
Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland were cloudier, but it did not stop crowds turning out at famous landmarks across the country.
Some had been successful in getting hold of solar eclipse glasses, but the vital eye protectors were in short supply in the run-up to the event with opticians, hardware shops and bakeries all selling out.
But that did not deter people – colanders, cereal boxes and pieces of paper were deployed to offer them a glimpse of the partial eclipse safely.
Large crowds gathered at Calton Hill, Edinburgh, but had to negotiate cloudy skies [PA Media]
