- A rare total solar eclipse swept across Europe on Wednesday, attracting millions of spectators who gathered to witness one of nature's most spectacular astronomical events.
- It was the first total solar eclipse visible in Europe in 27 years, following the previous one in August 1999 when the eclipse crossed countries including France, Germany and Austria.
- The eclipse path of totality passed through Greenland, Iceland, Spain and a small region of Portugal before ending over the Mediterranean.
- During totality, when the moon completely blocked the sun, daylight suddenly turned into darkness and the sun's glowing corona became visible. The period of complete darkness lasted more than two minutes in some areas.
- Spain was one of the main destinations for eclipse watchers, as the path of totality crossed the northern and central parts of the country before reaching the Balearic Islands. According to the country's National Geographic Institute, it was the first total solar eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula in more than a century.
- In Molina de Aragon, nearly 100 visitors gathered, including travelers from Germany, Poland and Italy. After about 90 seconds, sunlight returned and spectators applauded. In Madrid, viewers described the experience as remarkable, spectacular and unique.
- Portugal also witnessed the eclipse, although only a narrow area in the northeastern municipality of Braganca fell within the path of totality. Local media reported that it was the first time since 1912 that a total solar eclipse could be observed from the country. Thousands gathered at Bragança Airport, while people in other cities, such as Lisbon, watched a partial eclipse with famous landmarks including the Belem Tower.
- Iceland also offered a glimpse of totality despite cloudy conditions, as a break in the clouds allowed some viewers on the western coast to witness the darkened sky. The sky became completely dark for about two minutes and 13 seconds, creating a dramatic experience for those who were able to see it.
A rare total solar eclipse swept across Europe on Wednesday, drawing millions of spectators to witness this extraordinary astronomical event, the first total solar eclipse visible in Europe in 27 years. The path of totality traversed Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and a small region of Portugal, concluding over the Mediterranean.123
In Spain, the eclipse captivated viewers in northern and central regions, including the Balearic Islands. According to the National Geographic Institute, it was the first total solar eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula in over a century. In Molina de Aragon, nearly 100 visitors gathered, including travelers from Germany, Poland, and Italy, to witness the spectacle. After about 90 seconds of totality, sunlight returned, prompting applause from the crowd.678910
Portugal experienced its first total solar eclipse since 1912, with a narrow area in the northeastern municipality of Braganca falling within the path of totality. Thousands gathered at Braganca Airport, while others in cities like Lisbon observed a partial eclipse, with famous landmarks such as the Belem Tower serving as backdrops.111213
Iceland also offered a glimpse of totality, despite cloudy conditions. A break in the clouds allowed viewers on the western coast to experience the dramatic darkening of the sky for about two minutes and 13 seconds. Spectators described the experience as remarkable, spectacular, and unique, as daylight transformed into darkness, revealing the sun's glowing corona.1415
“The eclipse marked the first total solar eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula in over a century, according to Spain's National Geographic Institute. In Portugal, it was the first since 1912, with thousands gathering at Braganca Airport to witness the event.”
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