Rare solar eclipse is a dramatic celestial spectacle for millions across Europe, in photos

This combination photo shows the sequence of the moon covering the sun in a total solar eclipse seen from Berlanga de Duero, central Spain, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026.

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Millions crowd Spanish cities to see country's first total solar eclipse in over a century

Millions crowd Spanish cities to see country's first total solar eclipse in over a century

Millions of people crowded cloudless cities and towns in Spain in search of the best views of a total solar eclipse, when the alignment of the sun, moon and Earth briefly plunged parts of the planet into darkness. The crowds brought lawn chairs and umbrellas as they eagerly awaited the celestial spectacle, which began early in the evening. As the sky darkened, people broke into applause and cheered. It was the country’s first total solar eclipse in more than a century. Across a wide band of northern and central Spain and Portugal, millions of people enjoyed some of mainland Europe’s best views of the eclipse.