Total solar eclipse plunges Iceland, Spain into darkness

A total solar eclipse swept across the Northern Hemisphere on Wednesday, plunging parts of Iceland and northern Spain into daytime darkness in what was mainland Europe's first total eclipse in 27 years and Spain's first in over a century.

The moon's shadow began its journey over Russia's remote Arctic north at about 5 p.m. GMT before racing south through eastern Greenland and western Iceland, where totality reached Reykjavík's neighboring Keflavík at 5:47 p.m. GMT. The longest totality along the entire path — 2 minutes and 18 seconds — occurred over Breiðafjörður Bay on Iceland's western coast. The shadow then crossed the Atlantic, striking northern Spain around 6:27 p.m. GMT and tracing a diagonal path from the northwestern coast to the Mediterranean and the Balearic Islands.astronomy+2

Millions Gather Across Spain

Millions crowded Spanish cities and towns under mostly clear skies for a celestial event the country had not witnessed since 1905. According to Reuters, authorities expected up to 6 million visitors in mostly rural areas within the eclipse's path, with Juan Cruz, Spain's Secretary of State for Science, calling it "a special moment". The Spanish government estimated the event would contribute €347 million to the economy and draw nearly 450,000 additional tourists.apnews+3

In Medinaceli, a Roman-era hilltop town, sky watchers secured grassy viewing points hours early. "Watching a total solar eclipse has been a dream of mine for many, many years," said Lola Guerreiro, who drove seven hours from Extremadura to view the event. Across Spain, eclipse glasses sold out at pharmacies and shops, with the National Organization of the Blind distributing nearly two million pairs.reuters+2

Wildfire Fears Shadow the Spectacle

The eclipse arrived amid a punishing heat wave and one of Spain's worst wildfire seasons, with more than 2,440 square kilometers of land already burned this year, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said nearly 25,000 police officers had been mobilized, along with nearly 100 planes and helicopters. "Let's not forget that the wildfire risk is very high, it's extreme due to high temperatures," he told reporters. Several festivals were canceled over fire concerns, including the electronic music event Iberia Eclipse in Soria, which had its authorization revoked two weeks before it was set to take place.cbc+2

Iceland's Brief Darkness

In Iceland, a country of roughly 400,000 people, up to 80,000 visitors were expected. Eclipse glasses had been sold out for days in Reykjavík, which had not experienced totality since 1433. Overcast skies threatened to obscure the view, and Icelandic astronomer Saevar Helgi Bragason said he felt "both excitement and heartbreak" over the weather forecast, hoping the clouds would part just long enough for what he called "the most memorable and beautiful nighttime of our life". Singer Björk was due to perform a DJ set at an eclipse-themed event south of Reykjavík.phys+1

Wednesday's eclipse is the first of three set to cross the Iberian Peninsula, with another total eclipse expected over southern Spain in August 2027 and an annular "ring of fire" eclipse in January 2028.reuters+1