Millions Witness Rare Total Solar Eclipse From Greenland To Spain

Millions of skywatchers across Europe and the Arctic gathered Wednesday to witness a total solar eclipse as the moon passed between the sun and Earth, casting its shadow along a narrow path of totality.

The eclipse's path crossed Greenland, Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, northern Spain and a small corner of Portugal, according to NASA. A partial eclipse was visible across much of Europe, northwestern Africa and parts of northern North America, including areas of the United States from Alaska to North Carolina.

In Reykjavik, Iceland's capital, totality lasted about one minute beginning around 5:48 p.m. Local time. It marked the first total solar eclipse visible from the city since June 17, 1433 - nearly 600 years - and the first in Iceland since 1954. The longest period of totality, lasting 2 minutes and 18 seconds, occurred just off Iceland's western coast.

ABC News correspondent Maggie Rulli reported from the Reykjavik area, including the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, where crowds stood in the steaming waters and on shore as daylight faded. Viewers described a sudden chill, quieting birds and the appearance of the sun's corona during the brief darkness.

Large public gatherings formed along the path in Iceland's Westfjords, Snæfellsnes peninsula and Reykjanes peninsula, as well as in northern Spanish cities. Maximum eclipse occurred in the mid-afternoon in Iceland, roughly four hours before sunset.

Astronomers and safety officials stressed that only certified eclipse glasses meeting international safety standards should be used to view any portion of the sun outside the brief moments of totality. During totality itself, the fully blocked sun may be observed with the naked eye.