A near total solar eclipse, with more than 90 percent of the Sun blocked by the Moon across Britain, is pictured behind Elizabeth Tower (R), more commonly known as Big Ben, in central London on August 12, 2026. Millions of people turned their gaze towards the heavens on August 12 to witness one of nature's greatest spectacles -- a rare total solar eclipse -- as it sweeps over mainland Europe to briefly turn day into night. (Photo by Toby Shepheard / AFP via Getty Images)