A passenger plane flies in front of the solar eclipse as seen in Heathrow, UK. 90% of the sun was covered by the moon as seen in England. (SWNS)
Large groups of people gathered in parks, observatories and open spaces across Europe and beyond to watch the celestial event as the moon passed in front of the sun.
The eclipse was visible as a partial eclipse across much of Europe, northwestern Africa, Canada and parts of the northern United States.
People gather at Hound Tor in Dartmoor to watch the partial solar eclipse. 90% of the sun will disappear behind the moon for people viewing in England. (William Dax via SWNS)
Observers within the path of totality experienced the sky briefly darkening as the sun was completely covered.
The Aug. 12 eclipse was the only total solar eclipse of 2026 and the most significant eclipse visible from the U.K. since 1999, drawing large crowds hoping to witness the rare spectacle.
People queue on the downs in Bristol to watch the partial solar eclipse. The sun will be 90% covered by the moon as viewed in England. (Tom Wren via SWNS)