Spain and Iceland Prepare for Total Solar Eclipse on August 12

Millions of people across Spain and Iceland prepared on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, to witness a total solar eclipse, a rare astronomical event that will plunge parts of the northern hemisphere into brief twilight as the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun. The path of totality will sweep across a band of northern and eastern Spain, offering the only favorable viewing conditions for the phenomenon, which will also cross parts of Greenland and Iceland.

The eclipse is set to begin along Spain's northwestern coast around 7:30 p.m. local time, with the moment of totality occurring shortly before sunset. The peak of the event will happen at approximately 8:30 p.m., though exact timings vary by location. In cities within the path of totality, such as A Coruña, Zaragoza, and Valencia, the Sun will be completely obscured for up to one minute and 50 seconds. Observers will see the solar corona become visible as the sky darkens dramatically.

Spain's Secretary of State for Science, Juan Cruz Cigudosa, expressed hope that the event would inspire future scientists. Authorities were expecting up to 6 million visitors, primarily in rural areas along the eclipse's path. The...