PHOTOS: Solar Eclipse Begins Across UK, Europe

A spectacular solar eclipse is captivating observers across the United Kingdom and Europe, with the Moon gradually veiling the Sun. In Edinburgh, the eclipse began around 18:28 BST on Wednesday, reaching its peak visibility at approximately 19:06 in the Scottish capital. Observers noted the Moon appearing to "take a bite out of the sun," with sunspots also visible through telescopes.

The celestial event has been a major draw, with large crowds gathering at viewing locations throughout the UK. Special eclipse glasses reportedly sold out in several areas due to high demand. This eclipse is particularly significant for the UK, as it is the most substantial one visible from the country since 1999, with the Moon expected to cover over 90% of the Sun in most parts of the nation.

Across Europe, the eclipse's path offered varied experiences. It was already fully underway in parts of Iceland and Greenland, where a total eclipse was anticipated. In Russia, the Moon began obscuring the Sun around 17:00 GMT, creating an eerie darkness and revealing the Sun's outer corona. Spain also witnessed the spectacle as the eclipse's path cut diagonally across the country from the northwestern Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean Sea.