Once-in-a-generation solar eclipse wows millions in UK and Europe

On a remarkable night, millions in the UK and Europe marveled at the once-in-a-generation solar eclipse. The partial eclipse peaked in the UK around 19:00 BST, with most observers witnessing more than 90% of the Sun covered by the Moon. However, a select few experienced the awe-inspiring totality. Greenland, Iceland, and Spain were treated to the complete darkness of a total eclipse.

The total eclipse journey started at Russia's northern tip, traveling over the Arctic Ocean, before moving south to reach Iceland in the early evening, then sweeping towards the UK. From the UK, the partial eclipse began at 18:00 BST in northern Scotland and about 18:20 on the south coast of England.

For those with clear skies, the Moon appeared to nibble away at the Sun. Much of central and southern England and Wales enjoyed perfect conditions for viewing, as the Moon moved slowly across the Sun over the course of an hour. Northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland faced cloudier skies, but crowds still gathered at landmarks.

The lunar shadow blocked about 90% of the Sun for most of the UK, making it the country's most dramatic eclipse since 1999. In Cornwall, the coverage reached 95%. In Spain, the alignment of the Sun, Moon, and Earth was perfect, resulting in a total eclipse. People were overwhelmed with excitement, comparing it to the "amazing" beauty of the universe.

A total solar eclipse happens roughly once in 400 years for any given location. The alignment of the Moon, slightly smaller than the Sun, and its orbit positioned at 400 times less than the Sun's diameter creates this rare phenomenon. The next total solar eclipse visible in the UK won't occur until 2081, when up to 99% of the Sun will be covered. The UK's next partial eclipse won't be as spectacular until 2027, with about 45% coverage.