{
  "id": 638839,
  "title": "Eclipse craze grips Spain, Iceland as millions get set for 'event of the century'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/eclipse-craze-grips-spain-iceland-as-millions-get-set-for-event-of",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-12T06:04:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNA - Business",
    "slug": "cna-business",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/eclipse-craze-grips-spain-iceland-millions-get-set-event-century-6314146"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Millions of individuals across Spain and Iceland prepared for a total solar eclipse on Wednesday, acquiring protective glasses and traveling to regions where the rare celestial event could be witnessed in its entirety. The phenomenon of eclipses has long captured human interest, often interpreted as omens, cosmic battles, or divine signs. Today's skywatchers, however, simply wish to experience the eerie sensation when day briefly transforms into twilight, as the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun. Spain's Secretary of State for Science, Juan Cruz, expressed hope that the eclipse would give birth to a new generation of astrophysicists. Authorities anticipate up to 6 million visitors, primarily in rural areas within northern Spain and the Balearic Islands. The eclipse will coincide with sunset, enhancing its allure. Spain has implemented extensive police and public safety measures due to the eclipse occurring during one of the highest-risk periods for wildfires. Iceland's capital, Reykjavik, expects up to 80,000 visitors, as the country's narrow path of totality will last up to 2 minutes and 13 seconds. Eclipse chasers, enthusiasts who travel to witness total eclipses, also flock to the event. NASA plans to fly a high-altitude aircraft and launch balloons to study the effects of the eclipse on the lower atmosphere.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 11,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Associated Press",
        "title": "August’s total solar eclipse will sweep over Spain, Iceland and Greenland",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/augusts-total-solar-eclipse-will-sweep-over-spain-iceland-and",
        "published": "2026-08-10T02:53:01.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Euronews",
        "title": "A unique ninety seconds in the 21st century: Spain prepares for historic eclipse trio",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/a-unique-ninety-seconds-in-the-21st-century-spain-prepares-for",
        "published": "2026-08-10T03:55:09.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Olive Press",
        "title": "Spain urges wildfire caution as millions prepare to travel to see the total solar eclipse on Wednesday",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/spain-urges-wildfire-caution-as-millions-prepare-to-travel-to-see-the",
        "published": "2026-08-10T14:15:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Tempo.co English",
        "title": "Hotel Prices Soar as Spain Readies for Total Solar Eclipse",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/hotel-prices-soar-as-spain-readies-for-total-solar-eclipse",
        "published": "2026-08-11T16:28:25.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Smithsonian",
        "title": "A Total Solar Eclipse Is Coming to Spain. This Madrid Museum Is Celebrating With a Digital Artwork Illuminating Its Paintings ‘In the Light of the Eclipse’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/a-total-solar-eclipse-is-coming-to-spain-this-madrid-museum-is",
        "published": "2026-08-11T21:08:08.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Guardian Science",
        "title": "‘It’s going to be spectacular’: Millions flock to Spain seeking best view of total solar eclipse",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/its-going-to-be-spectacular-millions-flock-to-spain-seeking-best-view",
        "published": "2026-08-12T04:00:18.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "RFI English",
        "title": "Total solar eclipse over Spain to draw millions of viewers across Europe",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/total-solar-eclipse-over-spain-to-draw-millions-of-viewers-across",
        "published": "2026-08-12T05:44:33.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Eclipse craze grips Spain, Iceland as millions get set for 'event of the century'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/eclipse-craze-grips-spain-iceland-as-millions-get-set-for-event-of-639283",
        "published": "2026-08-12T06:04:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Business Recorder",
        "title": "Eclipse craze grips Spain, Iceland as millions get set for 'event of the century'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/eclipse-craze-grips-spain-iceland-as-millions-get-set-for-event-of-643161",
        "published": "2026-08-12T06:58:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Local Spain",
        "title": "How to check if your eclipse glasses in Spain are safe and certified",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/how-to-check-if-your-eclipse-glasses-in-spain-are-safe-and-certified",
        "published": "2026-08-12T07:15:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}