Europe dazzled by a rare solar eclipse, from near-total UK skies to totality in Spain

Millions across the UK and Europe watched a once-in-a-generation solar eclipse, with the UK seeing a heavy partial eclipse (~90–95% of the Sun obscured) while Spain, Iceland and Greenland experienced totality. Crowds gathered at viewing sites, eye-protection stock ran out, and improvised viewers were used. The total phase lasted under two minutes. A 'golden age' of total eclipses is predicted for 2026–2028 (none visible from the UK), with the next UK total eclipse not until 2090.