What happens when daylight suddenly disappears in the middle of the evening?
Millions of spectators across Spain and Iceland found out as a rare total solar eclipse transformed parts of Western Europe.
In northern Spain, crowds erupted in cheers as the Moon completely covered the Sun, briefly turning the sky dark.
In Buitrago de Lozoya, the total eclipse lasted barely a minute, with bright points of sunlight known as Baily’s beads appearing around the Moon’s edge.
“It’s impressive how the colours return little by little after totality,” economist Diego Fernandez said, comparing the scene to a sunrise and sunset.
Spain had prepared for the spectacle on an enormous scale, with authorities expecting up to 6 million visitors along the eclipse path.
Eclipse Draws Huge Crowds
Police were deployed heavily, while special viewing areas were created in rural locations offering clearer skies.
Iceland also drew thousands of eclipse hunters, with the country estimating around 80,000 visitors.
Cloudy conditions obscured the view in Reykjavik, although the sudden darkness was still unmistakable.
Even Queen guitarist Brian May travelled to Spain to witness the event.
For dedicated eclipse chasers, the hunt was all about finding that perfect patch of sky.
And for everyone else, it was a reminder that sometimes the most spectacular show requires nothing more than looking up.
