Spain and Iceland prepare for total solar eclipse

Millions of spectators in Spain and Iceland are gathering to observe a total solar eclipse on Wednesday. In Spain, authorities anticipate up to 6 million visitors across the northern regions and the Balearic Islands, where the event will occur shortly before sunset. The government has implemented extensive public safety measures due to the coincidence of the event with a period of high wildfire risk, aiming to disperse crowds away from coastal resorts and inland.

In Iceland, approximately 80,000 visitors are expected, with the path of totality reaching the western coast at 17:44 local time, resulting in darkness lasting up to two minutes and 13 seconds. Reports indicate that protective eclipse glasses have sold out in Reykjavik. This event is part of the so-called “Iberian Eclipse Trio,” following the last total solar eclipse in the region in 1912. Future occurrences in the series include another total eclipse on August 2, 2027, and an annular eclipse in January 2028.