As Canadians and Americans look forward to upcoming eclipses, London experienced a dramatic darkening when a near‑total solar eclipse swept across the city on Wednesday.
Thousands of Londoners took to the streets to watch the biggest solar eclipse since 1999 on Wednesday.
The eclipse saw 90 per cent of the Sun covered by the Moon and peaked just after 7pm.
Astronomers note that a comparable eclipse will be visible across parts of Canada and the United States later this year, offering a chance for North Americans to experience a similar spectacle.
Many watched the solar event from their homes, but huge crowds took to the capital's parks, including many at Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory.
Large numbers queued for special glasses to watch the eclipse safely, while others made use of home‑made alternatives including colanders and cereal boxes.
Much of London was shrouded in darkness at the height of the eclipse.
The eclipse was the fullest of its kind seen in UK skies since the total eclipse in 1999.
Greenwich Park crowds
Here are the best pictures from Wednesday's once‑in‑a‑generation eclipse in London.
Crowds watch the eclipse from Greenwich Park, Getty Images
People wearing protective glasses react to the eclipse in south London, Getty Images
Waterloo Bridge, LS
The Houses of Parliament in darkness during the eclipse, AFP/Getty
City landmarks in darkness
Eclipse‑watchers with some creative headgear on Primrose Hill, AFP/Getty
A woman looks for special eclipse sunglasses on Primrose Hill, Getty Images
Crowds gathered at Greenwich, LS
An Arsenal fan watches the eclipse ahead of the team's game against Como, Getty Images
A woman uses a colander to watch the eclipse, LS
A family with a home‑made periscope, LS