{
  "id": 645846,
  "title": "Spain prepares for rare solar eclipse against backdrop of heat and wildfires",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/spain-prepares-for-rare-solar-eclipse-against-backdrop-of-heat-and",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-12T08:23:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/solar-eclipse-spain-europe-iceland-sun-4748323b3df8272d546683cc1dbc1d15"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nOnly 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.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Spain prepares for rare solar eclipse against backdrop of heat and wildfires",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/spain-prepares-for-rare-solar-eclipse-against-backdrop-of-heat-and-648772",
        "published": "2026-08-12T08:06:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}