First total solar eclipse in Western Europe in almost thirty years

It was a first in almost three decades. This Wednesday, Western Europe witnessed its first total solar eclipse since August 11, 1999.

An extraordinary spectacle, in which several million people took part, some of whom had traveled for the occasion. All were gathered in the small strip of territory that was plunged very briefly into darkness in broad daylight, from northern Siberia through the Arctic Ocean and eastern Greenland, to western Iceland and northern Spain, brushing northeast Portugal.

In France, even if the eclipse was “only” partial, the public appeal was considerable. As evidenced by the queues to obtain the famous certified protective glasses allowing you to observe the sun in complete safety.