Spain prepares for rare solar eclipse against backdrop of heat and wildfires
MADRID (AP) — Spaniards were rushing to buy specialized glasses to view a rare total solar eclipse Wednesday, as authorities warned people flocking to rural areas to avoid anything that could spark new wildfires. Across a swath of northern and central Spain, millions of people will have some of mainland Europe’s best views of the celestial spectacle. It will begin around…
Spain is preparing for a rare total solar eclipse that will be visible across northern and central parts of the country, as well as a small portion of Greenland and Iceland. Spaniards are rushing to purchase special glasses to safely view the celestial event, which is set to occur around sunset. The eclipse, expected to draw at least half a million visitors, is a rare occurrence that aligns the sun, moon, and Earth, briefly plunging parts of Spain into darkness.
The Spanish authorities are deploying a large public safety campaign to ensure a safe viewing experience in rural areas, where the eclipse will be most visible. With temperatures soaring during the summer months and recent wildfires ravaging the country, officials have set up 350 official viewing sites in the sparsely populated interior, often referred to as "Empty Spain." However, they have also restricted access to an additional 123 sites due to environmental concerns and the risk of wildfires.
Only recently, Spain experienced its most destructive wildfire in history, which consumed 500 square kilometers and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of people. Multiple smaller wildfires continue to pose a threat in various regions of the country.
Written by urgent.news from Associated Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
