The eclipse will begin over Russia’s remote Arctic north before the Moon’s shadow travels across Greenland and Iceland and reaches Spain, where the total eclipse will be best viewed.

The path of totality will cross Spain diagonally, stretching from the northern Atlantic coast towards the Mediterranean Sea. For observers in parts of the country, the Sun will disappear completely just before sunset.

As the Moon completely blocks the Sun, temperatures are expected to drop and daylight will give way to an unusual twilight. Shadows can appear distorted, while some animals may behave as though night has arrived.

The spectacular moment will be fleeting. In Spain, totality will last for less than two minutes, while parts of Russia and Greenland will experience slightly longer periods of complete darkness.

The total eclipse will be visible only along a narrow path, but a much wider area will experience a partial eclipse. The phenomenon will be visible across much of Europe, Canada, the northern United States and northwest Africa.

Eclipse enthusiasts from around the world are flocking to Spain in search of unobstructed views of the setting Sun. Rural towns along the path of totality have seen accommodation sell out as visitors arrive.

Places that rarely attract large numbers of international tourists are suddenly packed with eclipse hunters. In Benavente, accommodation has reportedly run out as visitors scramble for places to stay and vantage points.