Once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse sweeps across Europe

The moon passed directly in front of the sun Wednesday, briefly turning day into twilight as crowds from Iceland to Spain looked up in awe at the rare celestial spectacle. NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz reports.

From Spain to the UK, millions gathered to witness the sun's light be fully blocked by the moon in the continent's first solar eclipse in almost three decades.

People crowded cloudless cities and towns to witness the alignment of the sun, moon and Earth briefly plunge parts of the planet into darkness.

People crowded cloudless cities and towns to witness the alignment of the sun, moon and Earth briefly plunge parts of the planet into darkness.

Millions of people crowded cloudless cities and towns in Spain on Wednesday in search of the best views of a total solar eclipse, when the alignment of the sun, moon and Earth will briefly plunge parts of the planet into darkness.

Spectators and scientists gather to witness full or partial blocking of the Sun across the northern hemisphere

Iceland is preparing for a rare total solar eclipse on 12 August, with thousands of visitors expected to head to the country's western regions.