Topline
Millions across Europe had the chance to witness Wednesday’s solar eclipse, with some of the most sought-after viewing spots stretching from Iceland to Spain and northern Portugal—regions positioned to experience totality, when the moon fully covers the Sun.
Key Facts
In Reykjavik, Iceland, the eclipse is set to start at 4:47 p.m. local time (12:47 p.m. EDT), with totality expected at 5:48 p.m., when the Sun will be completely obscured, according to the city’s tourism organization.
That moment of total eclipse in the Icelandic capital will be brief, lasting about one minute, before the partial phase continues and finally ends around 6:47 p.m.
Northern Spain and Portugal are also in the path of the total solar eclipse, with most cities expected to see the partial eclipse begin around 7:30 p.m. local time and totality arrive roughly an hour later, shortly before sunset.
Spain is preparing for a major surge in eclipse tourism, with as many as 6 million visitors expected for the celestial event, the country’s secretary of state for science, Juan Cruz, told Reuters. The interior ministry is also planning heightened security, including 25,000 additional police officers and more than 100 aircraft.
Elsewhere in Europe, skywatchers will still get a dramatic partial solar eclipse, with the Sun covered by about 92% in Paris, 91% in London and 85% in Berlin.
People queue for solar eclipse glasses in Falmouth, England.
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Researchers set up telescopes in Villalibado, Spain before Wednesday’s total solar eclipse.
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Viewers line up around a block in Weymouth, England at 6 a.m. to purchase eclipse glasses.
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Researchers collaborating with NASA prepare to livestream the total eclipse in Spain.
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A woman tries on eclipse glasses in the Netherlands as viewers try to secure protective eyewear.
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What to Watch For
Most of North America will miss the total eclipse, but a partial eclipse will still be visible for viewers in some parts of the U.S. and Canada. The eclipse will cover 37% of the Sun covered in Fairbanks, Alaska, 53% in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, 31% in Halifax, Nova Scotia and 28% in Fairbanks, Alaska. Other parts of the continent will see the moon cover a much smaller portion of the Sun, including 18% in Montreal, 16% in Boston and 10% in New York City.
