A partial solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between Earth and the sun but only partially covers the sun's disk. Unlike in a total solar eclipse, the moon didn't completely block out the sun this time, so observers needed equipment such as eclipse glasses or pinhole cameras to view the sun safely.

Unlike a total solar eclipse, part of the sun is still visible during a partial solar eclipse, so there is no darkening of the sky or visible solar corona.

The eclipse was visible Saturday across Europe, western Africa, eastern North America and northern Asia. During a partial solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and Earth. The moon casts a shadow on Earth and only partly blocks the sun, making it appear like a crescent.