Europe is gearing up for its first mainland total solar eclipse in over two decades, set to take place on August 12. The Moon will pass between the Sun and Earth, creating a rare spectacle in the sky. The total solar eclipse will be visible from various locations including northern Spain, parts of Portugal, Greenland, Iceland, Russia, and the Atlantic Ocean.
While some regions will experience the total eclipse, others, like the UK, Canada, the northern US, and north-west Africa, will witness a partial eclipse with a significant coverage of the Sun. Spectators within the “path of totality” will see the Moon completely obscure the Sun, leading to a temporary darkness and revealing the Sun’s corona.
The European Space Agency estimates the total eclipse period to last up to one minute and 40 seconds. This event is particularly significant as it marks the first eclipse visible from mainland Spain in over a century and the deepest eclipse observable from the UK since 1999.
Although the UK and Ireland won’t witness the total eclipse, areas like Cornwall and Pembrokeshire in the UK will experience around 95% coverage, while the south-west coast of Ireland will see almost 97.5% coverage. Experts recommend locations like the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry for optimal viewing in Ireland.
In Spain, northern regions and parts of the Balearic Islands are within the path of totality, offering prime viewing opportunities. Similarly, Portugal, Iceland, and Greenland will witness either partial or total eclipses, creating a unique celestial event across the Northern Hemisphere.