Spain and Iceland prepare for total solar eclipse

Madrid, Spain. Millions of people across Spain and Iceland were preparing to observe a total solar eclipse on Wednesday, travelling to locations along the path of totality with protective glasses.

Visitors expected in Spain

Authorities expect up to 6 million visitors in mostly rural areas along the eclipse’s path across northern Spain and the Balearic Islands, according to Spain’s Secretary of State for Science, Juan Cruz.

“I hope that tonight will see the emergence of a wonderful generation of astrophysicists,” Cruz said. “It’s such a special moment.”

In Spain, the eclipse will be followed shortly by sunset. The government also sees the event as an opportunity to promote less-visited regions and redirect visitors from saturated coastal beach resorts.

Safety measures

The eclipse coincides with one of Spain’s highest-risk periods for wildfires, prompting a large police operation and public safety campaign.

The Iberian Peninsula last experienced a total solar eclipse in 1912. Another is expected on August 2, 2027, followed by an annular eclipse in January 2028, forming the so-called “Iberian Eclipse Trio.”

Iceland preparations

In Reykjavik, eclipse glasses have sold out for days as Iceland, with a population of about 400,000, expects up to 80,000 visitors.

A narrow path of totality is due to reach Iceland’s westernmost coast at about 5:44 p.m. (1744 GMT), before the Moon’s shadow moves east.