Total solar eclipse to spellbind Europe
Millions of Europeans will contemplate the sky in awe on Wednesday as a rare total solar eclipse crosses part of the continent and plunges a swath of Spain into eerie daytime darkness.
On Wednesday, millions of Europeans will witness a rare total solar eclipse as it crosses the continent, plunging parts of Spain into a twilight that feels eerily like nighttime. The moon will block out the sun, beginning its shadow across Russia's remote Arctic north and continuing in an arc over Greenland and Iceland. In Spain, the total eclipse will traverse the country diagonally from the northern Atlantic coast to the Mediterranean Sea, vanishing by 1830 GMT.
While the total eclipse will only last less than two minutes in Spain just before sunset, partial phases will be visible across much of Europe, North America, and northwest Africa, lasting around one hour and 45 minutes. For those lucky enough to be in the path of totality in Spain, the phenomenon will present a rare opportunity for scientists to study the sun's atmosphere and its outermost layer, seeking to unravel secrets about solar winds and our star's magnetic field.
Eclipse chasers are rushing to secure unobstructed views of the setting sun and praying for clear skies, as rain and clouds could spoil the occasion in the Westfjords region of northwestern Iceland, while Reykjavik, the capital, is set to experience its first total eclipse since 1433. Authorities are urging caution amid concerns over health risks from high temperatures, wildfire risks due to crowded rural roads, and traffic congestion from an anticipated 1.5 million extra road journeys.
Spain is banking on eclipse-driven tourism for an economic boost, with an estimated 347 million euros ($400 million) in net contribution to the economy and over 446,000 extra tourists visiting key areas during the event. Small villages that would typically go unnoticed by tourists are now inundated with eclipse enthusiasts. In Benavente, a town expected to offer excellent views of the total eclipse, accommodation options have run out, with the tourism office reporting 50 calls a day from people seeking information about where to stay, see the eclipse, and park their cars.
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- Total solar eclipse to spellbind Europe thejakartapost.com
