Millions crowd cities to see Spain's first total solar eclipse in over a century

Key Points:

• Millions gathered across Spain, Portugal, and parts of northern Europe to witness a total solar eclipse, the first visible in Spain in over a century, with totality lasting up to 2½ minutes in some areas.
• Spanish authorities prepared extensively for the event, deploying over 33,500 law enforcement officers and setting up 350 official viewing sites amid scorching temperatures and ongoing wildfire concerns.
• In Iceland, despite cloudy and rainy weather, hundreds gathered to experience the eclipse, which briefly darkened the skies during the region's period of near-continuous daylight.
• Demand for eclipse glasses surged across Spain, with many stores selling out, and hotel prices in Spain and Iceland skyrocketed due to the influx of tourists eager to witness the rare celestial event.
• In Britain, where the sun was mostly obscured but not fully eclipsed, thousands gathered in parks and open spaces to watch the phenomenon, describing the experience as awe-inspiring and humbling.