Rare eclipse plunges parts of Europe into darkness

Skywatchers across Europe turned their eyes to the Sun on Wednesday as a rare solar eclipse crossed the continent.

Crowds gathered in cities including Paris, Brussels and Rome, while observers in Russia also watched the Moon move across the solar disc.

The eclipse was total along a narrow path crossing northern Spain, parts of Portugal and Iceland, while much of western and central Europe saw a partial eclipse.

Viewers used special eclipse glasses and other protective equipment to safely watch the event.