Reykjavik: A total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of the Northern Hemisphere on Wednesday, transforming day into night along a narrow path that stretches from the Arctic through Iceland and into northern Spain. This is the first such eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999, and nearly 1 billion people could witness at least part of the spectacle, while about 15 million reside within its narrow path of totality.
According to Anadolu Agency, the eclipse will occur as the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, completely obscuring the Sun's bright face for those situated along the path of totality. Outside this band, a partial eclipse will be visible across much of Europe, northwestern Africa, and portions of North America.
The greatest eclipse will happen at approximately 17:46 UTC, with maximum totality lasting 2 minutes and 18 seconds near 65 degrees north latitude in the North Atlantic, west of Iceland, as reported by NASA. The path of totality, roughly 294 kilometers wide at its broadest, will cross remote areas of northern Russia and the Arctic, eastern Greenland, western and northern Iceland, the Atlantic Ocean, northern Spain, and a portion of northeastern Portugal. Cities such as Reykjavik, Leon, Zaragoza, Bilbao, Valencia, and parts of the Balearic Islands are expected to experience totality. In Spain, the event will occur low on the western horizon shortly before sunset.
The eclipse is significant for scientists who will utilize the brief darkness to study the Sun's corona and atmospheric changes. NASA-funded teams are set to track the Moon's shadow using a high-altitude research jet and scientific balloons launched from Iceland, aiming to examine how the sudden absence of sunlight affects the atmosphere. Kelly Korreck, eclipse program manager at NASA headquarters, emphasized the unique scientific opportunity eclipses provide for studying the Sun's corona.
Safety remains a primary concern for those hoping to view the eclipse. Experts warn against looking directly at the Sun without certified eclipse glasses, except during the brief moments of full totality. NASA advises using glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard or employing an indirect viewing method like a pinhole projector.
Iceland is capitalizing on the event with the Iceland Eclipse festival in Hellissandur, featuring live music and talks from scientists and astronauts. Cruise operators have also arranged voyages timed to the eclipse along the Iceland-Spain corridor. Tourism authorities in both Iceland and Spain have provided viewing guides, as accommodations and rental cars near the path have been in high demand.
The celestial display coincides with the annual Perseid meteor shower, which peaks around August 12-13, offering skywatchers an additional celestial event to enjoy. NASA plans to stream the eclipse live, beginning at 1:15 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, giving those outside the path a chance to witness the event. The next total solar eclipse will take place on August 2, 2027, crossing Spain, the Middle East, and parts of North Africa.