Australia Weather News

Crowds have gathered around Europe to see the skies fall dark in a rare total solar eclipse.

From Spain to Iceland, people gathered to witness the sun's light be fully blocked by the moon in the continent's first solar eclipse in 27 years.

Totality — when the moon completely covers the sun's light — was expected to last less than 2 and a half minutes, reaching its maximum duration off Iceland's west coast.

By the time it got to a small patch of Portugal and then to Spain, just before sunset, totality dwindled to a minute or so. The total eclipse then ended over the Mediterranean.

Before the spectacular celestial event, long queues were seen outside shops selling special eclipse glasses.

The glasses are essential for safe viewing, even if only a sliver of the sun remains visible. They are made with special filters that block solar radiation that can damage the eyes.

Watch parties were held, with crowds heard cheering as the sky went dark in Iceland's capital, Reykjavik.

Authorities were expecting up to 6 million visitors in mostly rural areas within the eclipse's path across the north of Spain and the Balearic Islands, said Juan Cruz Cigudosa García, Spain's secretary of State for science.

"I hope that tonight will see the emergence of a wonderful generation of astrophysicists," he said.

"It's such a special moment."

The eclipse was followed by a sunset in Spain, making the event particularly alluring.

Millions of others across Europe enjoyed a loss total view of the celestial spectacle.

Thousands gathered in town squares and on beaches to see the show.

Landmarks from Paris to Saint Petersburg shone through bright red and yellow skies.

Across Britain, where the sun was more than 90 per cent obscured, people flocked to hilltop parks and anywhere with an open view of the sky to see the best eclipse since 1999.

In Greenwich Park, with views of the River Thames and central London, the sky turned an eerie gray as a sliver of light sat atop the moon like a hat.

According to NASA, the next total solar eclipse is expected in August 2027, to be visible across northern Africa.

In July 2028, Australia and New Zealand will also have a chance to experience the skies go dark in a total solar eclipse.