The United Kingdom and Europe witnessed their most spectacular solar eclipse in nearly 30 years, with millions of people expected to have watched the rare astronomical event.

In the UK, viewers experienced a partial eclipse that peaked shortly after 19:00 BST, with more than 90 per cent of the Sun obscured by the Moon in many areas.

However, parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain experienced a total eclipse, plunging the affected areas into complete darkness as the Moon fully covered the Sun.

Large crowds gathered at viewing sites across the UK and Europe, responding with gasps and cheers as astronomy enthusiasts marvelled at the spectacle and described it as a reminder of how “amazing” the Universe is.

The eclipse’s path of totality began near the northern tip of Siberia in Russia before curving across the Arctic Ocean towards Iceland. It then swept southwards, bringing the partial eclipse to the UK.

The event began at around 18:00 BST in northern Scotland and shortly before 18:20 on England’s south coast. Although barely noticeable at first, people with clear skies soon watched as the Moon gradually moved across the face of the Sun.

Much of central and southern England and Wales enjoyed clear skies, giving spectators an uninterrupted view as the Moon gradually moved across the Sun over about an hour.

Although northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland experienced cloudier conditions, the weather did not prevent large crowds from gathering at famous landmarks across the country to witness the rare event.

Many spectators had managed to secure solar eclipse glasses, but the essential eye protection was in short supply ahead of the eclipse, with high-street retailers and online suppliers almost completely sold out.

As demand surged, some retailers found themselves selling eclipse glasses in unexpected locations, including a bakery in central London.

Those unable to find the specialised glasses were not deterred, with people using household items such as colanders, cereal boxes and pieces of paper to safely catch glimpses of the partial eclipse.