Total Solar Eclipse Dazzles Millions Across Europe
A total solar eclipse thrilled millions of people across Europe on Wednesday, August 12, with spectacular views from Iceland and Spain as the moon's shadow traced a path across the Northern Hemisphere.
Celestial Spectacle
A total solar eclipse created a stellar spectacle for millions of people on Wednesday. This celestial phenomenon occurs when the moon moves between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on our planet that completely blocks the sun's light from some areas of the world.
Path of Totality
The path of totality of the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, spans Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. The 182 mile-wide path of totality began near Siberia over the Arctic Ocean and first arced down into eastern Greenland. From there, the path stretched across western Iceland and then into northern Spain where millions gathered to witness the spectacle.
Viewing Experiences
People in Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and a small portion of Portugal witnessed the skies go dark for about two minutes. Those in Spain enjoyed a rare sunset eclipse and watched a crescent sunset afterward. The 70-room Hotel Keflavík in Iceland was fully booked, with guests hoping to see around one minute and 45 seconds of totality, with the hotel owner noting that eclipse time had been "very demanding."
Historic Significance
The last time a total solar eclipse swept across Europe was August 1999. This eclipse marked a rare opportunity for Europeans to witness this dramatic natural phenomenon. Authorities expected up to 20,000 additional overseas visitors during an already busy peak tourist period in Iceland, which is home to fewer than 400,000 people.