Millions of people around the world turned their eyes to the skies for the best solar eclipse in decades, with crowds flocking to viewing events and shops selling out of protective glasses. In the UK, more than 90% of the Sun was obscured by the Moon – the most it has been blocked since the total eclipse in 1999.
Viewing parties and homemade viewers
People could be seen with special glasses, and homemade viewers made from cereal boxes and colanders. Many brought chairs to parks for “eclipse parties,” with champagne corks heard popping.
Eclipse visible across Europe
The eclipse was visible across Europe, with stunning scenes recorded in France, Spain, The Netherlands, Lithuania, Italy, Russia, and more. The next eclipse in the UK is coming in August next year.
Perseid meteor shower bonus
In an added bonus for stargazers, the annual Perseid meteor shower reaches its peak on the night of the eclipse, just hours after. The shower is produced as Earth ploughs through a stream of dust left behind by Comet Swift–Tuttle.
A gallery of 47 breath-taking images from around the world captured the event, as the world united for one brief moment to witness the spectacular eclipse.
