First solar eclipse photos as spectacular display plunges parts of the globe into darkness

Stunning images show the solar eclipse as millions of people around the world gathered to witness Western Europe's first total eclipse in 27 years.

Huge groups sat under clear skies in cities and towns across Spain Wednesday, equipped with folding lawn chairs, sun umbrellas and hats, eagerly waiting for the celestial spectacle.

Vast crowds across a wide band of northern and central Spain had front-row seats for some of mainland Europe's best viewing opportunities.

Narrow slivers of Iceland and Greenland were also positioned to observe the sun, moon, and Earth align, briefly casting portions of the planet into darkness.

The total eclipse seen from Iceland (Sky News)

The eclipse seen from Berlanga de Duero, central Spain (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

When the big moment finally arrived in Iceland, daylight turned to complete darkness across its westernmost coastline. After worries over bad weather, the clouds briefly cleared, allowing residents and tourists to catch sight of the rare astronomical event.

"I was watching live from Reykjavik and, despite the overcast sky, a cheer went up from the crowd gathered in front of Hallgrimskirkja church when everything went black above them," a witness told Reuters.

The period of totality — when the moon completely covers the sun’s light — was projected to last under 2 1/2 minutes, peaking off the western coast of Iceland.

In Spain, officials cautioned crowds to avoid areas affected by a heatwave, which has heightened the threat of wildfires.

People observe a partial solar eclipse at Northala Fields in London (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

The solar eclipse, before totality, at the Galactica Centre near Teruel, Spain (Reuters)

The sun emerging from the side of the moon after the total eclipse in Iceland (Sky News)

Juan Cruz, Spain's Secretary of State for Science, stated that officials expected as many as 6 million people to visit rural zones along the path of the eclipse in northern Spain and the Balearic Islands.

"I hope that tonight will see the emergence of a wonderful generation of astrophysicists," he said. "It's such a special moment."

The celestial spectacle will be quickly followed by the sunset in Spain, giving the event an added appeal.

The celestial event happens when the moon passes in front of the sun, obscuring its light. That produces a stunning ring of fire around the lunar surface, as well as eerie events such as the day dramatically dimming and confused birds singing.

The Iberian Peninsula last saw a total solar eclipse in 1912 and it is set to experience another on August 2, 2027, and an annular eclipse in January 2028, completing the so-called "Iberian Eclipse Trio."

U.S. space agency NASA plans to fly a high-altitude WB-57 aircraft from Iceland to follow the Moon's shadow, and NASA-funded teams will launch balloons to study how the sudden darkness and cooling affect the lower atmosphere.