Rare solar eclipse captivates skywatchers across continents

A rare solar eclipse drew crowds of skywatchers Wednesday as it swept across multiple regions, with totality visible in parts of Iceland, Portugal and Spain and a partial eclipse observed across a much wider area.

The moon partially covers the sun during a solar eclipse over the Prague Castle, as seen from Prague, Czech Republic, Aug. 2, 2026.

Attendees watch as the moon fully passes over the sun's horizon during a partial solar eclipse at the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in Paris.

The moon passes over the sun's horizon behind the Pyramide du Louvre, designed by Chinese-US architect Ieoh Ming Pei, during a partial solar eclipse in Paris

The Moon passes in front of the Sun behind the Heinrich Hertz Tower in Hamburg, Germany, during a partial solar eclipse.

The moon partially covers the sun during a partial solar eclipse as seen from Dakar, Senegal,

A woman observes a partial solar eclipse through protective glasses in Dakar, Senegal

People watch the partial solar eclipse at Tempelhofer Feld in Berlin, Germany

View of the sun during the partial solar eclipse in Salszburg, Austria.

Attendees gather as the moon passes over the sun's horizon behind the Luxor Obelisk at the Place de la Concorde during a partial solar eclipse in Paris

The Baily's beads effect appears as the Sun begins to emerge from behind the Moon following totality of the solar eclipse as seen from Buspol in northern Spain

A composite image of 25 photographs shows different stages of a partial solar eclipse from the summit of Niesen in the Bernese Oberland, Switzerland

The Moon uncovers the Sun in the moments following totality of the solar eclipse as seen from La Zurriola beach in San Sebastian.