Europeans turned out in large numbers on Wednesday, Aug. 12, to watch a partial solar eclipse sweep across the continent, according to Forbes. Photos published by the outlet show viewers lining up at observation points in multiple countries to catch a glimpse of the celestial event.
The eclipse moved from north to south over Europe during the day, as reported by CGTN. Forbes noted that the event drew significant public interest, with crowds forming at designated viewing spots. NPR also published a gallery of images from the eclipse, highlighting the visual spectacle of the moon passing in front of the sun.
The Guardian collected reader experiences of the event, with one observer noting that a kitchen colander proved an effective tool for projecting the eclipse's image onto the ground. This simple method, which uses small holes to cast multiple crescent-shaped shadows, was among the tricks viewers used to safely observe the eclipse without looking directly at the sun.
NASA's coverage of the event focused on Spain, where the eclipse reached its fullest extent. The agency's page on the 2026 total solar eclipse in Spain indicates that the country was a primary viewing location for the event. While the eclipse was partial across most of Europe, Spain offered the best vantage point for those seeking a more dramatic view.
For skywatchers who missed Wednesday's event, the next major solar eclipse visible from Europe is not expected for several years. Enthusiasts will need to wait for future announcements from astronomical organizations about upcoming celestial events.
