Total solar eclipse to be visible across Europe and Arctic
Millions are preparing to watch a total solar eclipse across Europe and the Arctic, with the event expected to draw significant public attention and scientific interest.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
Millions across Europe witness rare solar eclipse
Millions of people across Europe and the Arctic witnessed the most significant solar eclipse in nearly three decades on Wednesday evening, as the moon passed directly between the Earth and the sun.
The path of totality, where the sun was completely hidden by the moon, began over northern Siberia at sunrise, crossed the Arctic Ocean, Greenland and Iceland, before sweeping across northern Spain and ending near the Balearic Islands at sunset.
In Iceland, the first total eclipse since 1954 plunged the capital Reykjavik into darkness for around a minute and a half, despite cloudy conditions. The next total eclipse visible from Iceland will not occur for another 170 years.
In the UK, the eclipse was partial but still dramatic, with between 88% and 96% of the sun covered by the moon. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly saw the deepest coverage at around 95% to 96%, making it the most impressive solar eclipse visible from the UK since August 1999.
The eclipse began in the UK just after 6pm, with maximum coverage reached between 7.05pm and 7.16pm depending on location. The whole event lasted approximately two hours.
Crowds gathered at vantage points across the country, including Glastonbury Tor, the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, and beaches in Cornwall, where clear skies provided an unobstructed view. In Edinburgh, people gathered on Calton Hill, while in Belfast the street lights came on as the sky darkened.
Experts repeatedly warned the public not to look directly at the sun, as even a small amount of sunlight can cause permanent eye damage. Certified eclipse glasses, marked with the ISO 12312-2 standard, were recommended, but supplies ran short across the country, with many retailers selling out.
Alternative safe viewing methods included pinhole projectors and kitchen colanders, which project multiple small images of the sun onto a surface. People were also advised to avoid using regular sunglasses, binoculars or telescopes without proper solar filters.
In northern Spain, where the total eclipse was visible, an estimated 450,000 to 500,000 people travelled to witness the spectacle. The city of Burgos was among the best viewing locations, with clear skies allowing observers to see the sun's corona, its shimmering outer atmosphere, during the brief period of totality.
The eclipse also provided a rare scientific opportunity. NASA-funded scientists in Iceland launched weather balloons to measure changes in temperature, pressure, humidity and wind at the edge of the stratosphere during the eclipse, data that could improve weather forecasting in the future.
For many, the eclipse was an emotional experience. Observers described feeling the temperature drop, seeing the light take on an eerie quality, and hearing birds fall silent as the sky darkened.
The UK will not see another eclipse of this magnitude until 2081, with a total eclipse visible from parts of the UK expected in 2090.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | Channel 5 | BBC News | BBC NEWS Signed | BBC One | BBC Two | Channel 4 | GB News | ITV | Sky News |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A partial solar eclipse will be visible across the UK, with up to 96% of the sun covered, peaking around 7:10-7:15pm, and causing a temperature drop of about 5°C. | |||||||||
| Total eclipse visible only in Iceland and parts of Spain. | · | ||||||||
| Broadcasters reported that between 88% and 97% of the sun would be obscured in the UK during the partial eclipse. | · | · | |||||||
| The eclipse will begin in the UK shortly after 6pm. | · | · | |||||||
| Certified eclipse glasses must meet the ISO 12312 standard to be safe for direct viewing. | · | · | · | ||||||
| The eclipse will be the biggest event of its kind for nearly 30 years. | · | · | · | ||||||
| The UK will not see a comparable eclipse until 2081. | · | · | · | · | |||||
| Broadcasters warned that looking directly at the sun can cause instant blindness. | · | · | · | · | · | ||||
| Cornwall and Pembrokeshire are the best places to see the eclipse. | · | · | · | · | · | ||||
| The eclipse will last about two hours. | · | · | · | · | · | · | |||
| The next total eclipse in Iceland will not occur for another 170 years. | · | · | · | · | · | · | |||
| Eclipse glasses have sold out in many places, including across the UK and Majorca. | · | · | · | · | · | · | · |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
Sky News focused on practical viewing information for UK audiences, with detailed timings and safety advice. It also provided international coverage from Spain and highlighted the tourism impact, with a correspondent in Valladolid reporting on the influx of visitors. The tone was informative and enthusiastic about the celestial event.
- “It's going to be a wonderful event”
- “The UK won't see another this good until 2081”
- “This is a stellar opportunity not to be missed”
Channel 5 focused on safety and practical viewing methods, with astronomer Dr Jo Barstow demonstrating how to use colanders and pinhole projectors. It drew comparisons with the 1999 eclipse and featured a warning about eye damage, with a strong emphasis on not looking directly at the sun.
- “Do not look at the sun”
- “It's a magical thing to have”
- “Stay safe. Don't look directly at the sun.”
BBC News provided comprehensive scientific context, explaining the mechanics of the eclipse and the path of totality. It featured interviews with astrophysicists and scientists, and gave detailed weather forecasts for viewing conditions. The coverage was authoritative and educational, with a strong focus on the science behind the event.
- “It's going to be a celestial spectacle”
- “This is down to an amazing cosmic coincidence”
- “Do not look directly at the sun”
BBC One West took a regional approach, focusing on the West of England and highlighting local viewing spots. It featured a local man from Somerset who damaged his vision during the 1999 eclipse, and emphasised safety warnings. The coverage also included other local news stories alongside the eclipse.
- “Experts here are warning anyone planning to watch tomorrow evening's eclipse not to put their eyesight in danger”
- “It's a magical event”
- “The next total eclipse in the UK won't take place until 2090”
ITV1 had correspondents in Iceland, Majorca and the UK, focusing on the travel and tourism angle. It featured eclipse chasers who had travelled the world to see eclipses, and highlighted the weather conditions in different locations. The coverage was lively and people-focused, with a strong sense of anticipation.
- “Excitement is building here in Iceland”
- “It's a once in a lifetime opportunity”
- “The next one is not going to be for another 170 years”
BBC Two's Newsnight featured an interview with Brian May about the eclipse, focusing on the personal, emotional experience of eclipse chasing and safety advice. The coverage was less news-focused and more personality-driven, with May describing the spiritual and scientific appeal of the event.
- “It's a kind of life-changing experience to see a total eclipse of the sun”
- “Do not look at the sun with the naked eye”
- “You become aware of your relationship with the universe”
GB News took a more casual, entertainment-focused approach. It discussed the glasses shortage, made jokes about the eclipse, and had a live special. The coverage was less scientific and more personality-driven, with presenters sharing personal anecdotes and humorous observations.
- “Eclipse Mania has swept Britain”
- “Just don't look at the sun”
- “I'll be 89 years old”
Channel 4 focused on the live experience of the eclipse, with correspondents in Cornwall and at the Royal Observatory. It emphasised the visual spectacle and the public reaction, with a strong sense of occasion. The coverage also connected the eclipse to the broader context of the summer's extreme heat and drought.
- “The sun is messing with us this summer”
- “It is the most significant eclipse in Europe since 1999”
- “Do use one of these”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.