Total solar eclipse darkens Spain and sweeps across Europe after a century
A total solar eclipse passed over Spain, briefly turning day into night before the sun set, marking the first full eclipse there in over 100 years.
On Wednesday evening, a total solar eclipse traversed northwestern Spain, casting the sky into near-night for roughly a minute before the sun reappeared briefly and then set. The phenomenon marked the first full-scale total eclipse over mainland Spain since the early 1900s, after a hybrid eclipse in 1912 provided only a few seconds of totality. Iceland recorded the longest stretch of totality, lasting up to two minutes and 18 seconds offshore, while other European locations observed varying degrees of partial coverage.
Crowds gathered in cities such as Reykjavik, London, Berlin and St. Petersburg, using protective glasses to watch the gradual dimming. The eclipse’s path will cross Spain again on August 2, 2027, and an annular eclipse will follow in early 2028.
Why it matters
The eclipse offers a rare scientific and cultural experience for millions across Europe, highlighting a celestial event not seen in the region for over a century.
How this story developed
- Jul 27 NASA deploys jet and balloons to study Sun and atmosphere during Aug. 12 eclipse
- Aug 5 Reports now note a six‑planet alignment and the peak of the Perseid meteor shower will occur alongside the eclipse.
- Aug 9 New guidance now highlights smartphone apps and specialized cruises as ways to view and record the eclipse.
- Aug 11 NASA is promoting the August 12 total solar eclipse that will cross Europe, offering a live stream for Americans who will only see a partial eclipse.
- Aug 12 Spanish authorities established 350 official viewing sites and deployed over 33,500 law‑enforcement personnel amid heatwave and fire‑hazard concerns.
- Aug 12 NASA announced a live stream of the August 12 total solar eclipse for U.S. audiences.
- Aug 12 A total solar eclipse traversed Europe, delivering up to two minutes of totality and attracting large crowds and scientific observations.
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