KEFLAVIK, Iceland (AFP)—A total solar eclipse plunged western Iceland into complete darkness Wednesday, though heavy cloud cover and rain blocked the sight of the sun disappearing behind the moon.

Total darkness swept over Keflavik, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) southwest of the capital Reykjavik, at 5:47 pm (1747 GMT), according to an AFP reporter at the scene.

It was the first time the rare phenomenon was visible in Iceland’s capital Reykjavik since 1433, and attracted thousands of tourists and locals across the country.

Astronomer and popular scientist Saevar Helgi Bragason was among the most eager spectators.

He said he had been “waiting for this day for more than 10 years”, after a partial solar eclipse over Iceland on March 20, 2015.

Speaking to AFP just before the event, he said he was filled with “excitement and heartbreak” because of the unfavourable weather forecast which predicted that clouds would obscure the view of the moon blocking out the sun.

“It’s almost like I’ve lost someone.”

The total eclipse lasted the longest over the cliffs of Latrabjarg in the westernmost part of Iceland — about 2 minutes and 13 seconds — while further south in the centre of Reykjavik it lasted for just over one minute.

Hotels in Reykjavik and the rest of Iceland were fully booked, with one hotel in the western village of Breidavik receiving its first booking for the event 14 years ago, according to national broadcaster RUV.