Solar eclipse craze grips Spain, Iceland as millions prepare for event of the century

MADRID/REYKJAVIK — Millions of people across Spain and Iceland ​geared up to witness a total solar eclipse on Wednesday, packing their protective glasses and travelling to areas where ‌the rare astronomical event can be observed in full.Humans’ fascination with eclipses is well-documented.Historically, the sudden darkening of the sky was often interpreted as an omen, a cosmic struggle or a sign of divine power.Modern-day skywatchers seek to experience the same uncanny sensation when day briefly turns into twilight and some animals fall ​quiet as the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun.“I hope that tonight will see the emergence of a ​wonderful generation of astrophysicists,” said Juan Cruz, Spain’s Secretary of State for Science.

“It’s such a special moment.”Authorities were ⁠expecting up to 6 million visitors in mostly rural areas within the eclipse’s path across northern Spain and the Balearic Islands, Cruz ​said.In Spain, the eclipse will be quickly followed by the sunset, making the event particularly alluring.Since this year’s eclipse coincides with one of ​the highest-risk periods for wildfires, Spain has rolled out a massive police operation and public safety campaign.The government also views it as a chance to showcase seldom-visited regions and help address concerns about overtourism on the coast by redistributing crowds away from saturated beach resorts.The Iberian Peninsula last saw a total solar eclipse in 1912.

​It is set to experience another one on August 2, 2027, and an annular eclipse in January 2028, completing the so-called “Iberian Eclipse Trio.”In Iceland’s capital Reykjavik, eclipse glasses have been sold out for days as the Nordic country of roughly 400,000 people ‌expects to ⁠welcome up to 80,000 visitors.A narrow path of totality will reach Iceland’s westernmost coast at about 5:44 p.m.(1744 GMT), before the Moon’s shadow races east.Totality will last up to 2 minutes and 13 ...