- Millions of people across Spain and Iceland are gearing up to witness a total solar eclipse on Wednesday, packing their protective glasses and travelling to areas where the rare astronomical event can be observed in full.
- Spain's last total solar eclipse occurred in 1912, making this event particularly significant for many.
- Eclipse glasses have sold out in Reykjavik days before the event, as Iceland expects to welcome up to 80,000 visitors.
- Officials in Spain are preparing for up to 6 million visitors and 1.5 million additional car journeys as the eclipse approaches.
- On Wednesday, the total solar eclipse will cross northern Spain and the Balearic Islands, with totality lasting up to 2 minutes and 13 seconds.
- NASA plans to fly a high-altitude WB-57 aircraft from Iceland to follow the Moon's shadow during the eclipse.
- Spain views the eclipse as an opportunity to showcase seldom-visited regions and address overtourism concerns on the coast.
- Authorities have warned of heavy traffic and urged viewers to arrive early to secure good viewing spots.
- Weather alerts forecast temperatures of up to 40°C, prompting the deployment of more than 24,000 police officers for public safety.
Millions of people across Spain and Iceland prepared for a total solar eclipse on Wednesday, with Spain touted as the best viewing location in Europe.156
Authorities anticipated up to 6 million visitors in rural areas along the eclipse's path, which stretches about 200km from A Coruña to Mallorca.
"I hope that tonight will see the emergence of a wonderful generation of astrophysicists," said Juan Cruz, Spain's Secretary of State for Science.
The event is particularly alluring as it coincides with sunset, and officials have implemented a massive police operation due to high wildfire risks.
César González, an astronomer at the Madrid Planetarium, described the eclipse as “spectacular,” emphasizing that Spain offers the best conditions for viewing.
An estimated 460,000 visitors traveled to Spain from as far as Japan and the US, with over 300,000 expected to head to rural towns for optimal viewing.
Angela Jones Rieksts, an eclipse enthusiast from Canada, expressed her excitement, recalling her previous experience as “absolutely awestruck.”
Preparations included weather alerts for temperatures up to 40C and the deployment of over 24,000 police officers to manage the influx of tourists.10
The last total solar eclipse in the Iberian Peninsula occurred in 1912, with another expected in 2027.
“Spain's Secretary of State for Science, Juan Cruz, expects up to 6 million visitors in rural areas, with authorities deploying over 24,000 police officers amid wildfire risks. NASA will fly a WB-57 aircraft from Iceland to study the eclipse's effects on the atmosphere.”
The Guardian
