12 August,2026 09:03 AM IST | Spain | AFP
Solar Eclipse . Representational Pic
Millions of people across Europe are expected to look to the skies on Wednesday as a rare total solar eclipse sweeps across parts of the continent, briefly turning daytime into an eerie twilight.
The Moon will completely block out the Sun along a path stretching from Russia's remote Arctic region across Greenland and Iceland before crossing Spain diagonally from the northern Atlantic coast towards the Mediterranean.
For Spain, where the eclipse will be particularly visible, the event is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors. The phenomenon will also be partially visible across much of Europe, Canada, the northern United States and northwest Africa.
The eclipse will begin at around 1700 GMT in Russia and continue across the Atlantic before reaching Spain, where the shadow will disappear at around 1830 GMT.
For people observing from Spain, totality will last for less than two minutes shortly before sunset. The duration will be slightly longer in parts of Russia and Greenland, although it will remain under two-and-a-half minutes.
The entire eclipse, including the partial phases, will last around six minutes and 23 seconds. A total solar eclipse lasting longer than this is not expected until 2114.
During totality, the Moon will completely cover the Sun, creating a brief period of darkness during daylight. Temperatures can fall, shadows can appear unusual and some animals may respond to the sudden change in light by becoming inactive.
The event is also significant for scientists, who can use a total eclipse to study the Sun's outer atmosphere and investigate solar winds and the magnetic field surrounding our star.
The eclipse has generated considerable excitement in Spain, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas located along the path of totality.
Authorities expect the event to provide an economic boost to parts of the country that have experienced population decline over the years.
Spain's economy ministry has estimated that eclipse-related tourism could contribute around 347 million euros to the economy, with more than 446,000 additional tourists expected to visit areas in the eclipse zone.
Places that rarely attract large numbers of international visitors have suddenly become popular destinations for eclipse chasers.
In the northwestern town of Benavente, where viewing conditions are expected to be favourable, accommodation has reportedly sold out.
Local tourism officials said they have been receiving dozens of enquiries every day from people seeking information about accommodation, viewing locations and parking.
Visitors are expected from countries including Belgium, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands.
While enthusiasm is high, weather conditions remain a major concern for eclipse watchers.
Rain and cloud cover were forecast to affect parts of northwestern Iceland, including the Westfjords. Reykjavik, meanwhile, is set to experience its first total solar eclipse since 1433.
In Spain, the Madrid-based AEMET weather agency has forecast mostly clear skies across the country, although some northern and eastern areas could see less favourable conditions.
Eclipse watchers are therefore expected to seek locations with unobstructed views of the setting Sun and hope that clouds, dust and smoke do not interfere.
The eclipse has also created challenges for authorities, who are preparing for a huge movement of people into rural areas.
Temperatures in most of mainland Spain are expected to cross 35 degrees Celsius, while parts of the northeast could see temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Officials have warned that people spending long periods outdoors could face heat-related health risks.
There are also concerns over wildfires. AEMET has forecast very high or extreme wildfire risk across large parts of Spain, with the danger potentially increasing as thousands of visitors gather in dry countryside.
Authorities are expecting up to 1.5 million additional road journeys towards the path of totality.
Municipalities along the route have established designated viewing areas and increased emergency, security and transport arrangements to handle the expected crowds.
While a total solar eclipse is safe to observe during the brief period of complete totality, looking directly at the Sun before or after totality can cause serious and permanent eye damage.
Experts recommend specially designed eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2:2015 safety standard. Ordinary sunglasses do not provide sufficient protection.
Eye injuries can also be difficult to detect immediately because the retina does not have pain receptors. Damage may therefore become noticeable only later.
Research following the 2024 total solar eclipse in the United States found a surge in online searches for symptoms such as eye pain after the event.
The current eclipse is not the only major celestial event expected in the region.
Another total solar eclipse will cross southern Spain and parts of northern Africa in August 2027, giving the country another opportunity to witness totality.
Spain will also experience an annular eclipse on January 26, 2028. Unlike a total eclipse, an annular eclipse occurs when the Moon does not completely cover the Sun, leaving a bright outer ring commonly known as a "ring of fire".
For now, however, attention is firmly fixed on Wednesday's eclipse, as millions prepare to witness one of the most dramatic astronomical events visible from Europe in years.
(With inputs from AFP)
