A solar eclipse appeared over the Virgin Maria church in Vidigulfo, near Pavia, northern Italy, on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Antonio Calanni/AP captured this rare moment. Meanwhile, in Medinaceli, Spain, millions gathered to witness a total solar eclipse that cast parts of the planet into shadow.
A solar eclipse is a phenomenon where the sun, moon, and Earth align, causing darkness in broad daylight.
For Spain, it marked the first such eclipse in over a century. Onlookers, armed with lawn chairs and umbrellas, eagerly awaited as the day turned to night. Witnesses, such as Rosa Celiberti, found the experience indescribable, proving that photos and videos cannot capture the moment’s thrill.
Spanning northern and central Spain and Portugal, the eclipse attracted millions. It also briefly touched Greenland and Iceland. Spaniards savored one of mainland Europe’s finest eclipse views. Totality lasted less than 2½ minutes, peaking off Iceland’s west coast. It dwindled by the time it reached Portugal and Spain, ending above the Mediterranean.
Spanish authorities anticipated at least 500,000 additional visitors. Demand for hotels surged, particularly in northern cities like A Coruña, Bilbao, and Santiago de Compostela. Rural areas braced for large crowds.
Despite soaring temperatures and wildfire concerns, the event went smoothly. Temperatures soared above 35°C (95°F), prompting a public safety campaign. Over 350 official viewing sites welcomed spectators, supported by a 33,500-strong law enforcement effort.
Reykjavik saw a cloudy display, yet hundreds gathered in bright attire as Hallgrímskirkja darkened. A brief darkness was met with applause, and then the light returned. Special eclipse glasses were essential for safe viewing, and their popularity soared, with many stores reporting shortages ahead of the event.
In Rypefjord, Greenland, aboard the MS Spitsbergen, Captain Sverre Rud positioned the ship for a perfect view. Despite 24-hour daylight, passengers were thrilled during the two-minute darkness.
Reykjavik hotel prices skyrocketed, with rooms averaging over $1,000. Visitors had booked years in advance, and Iceland prepared for as many as 20,000 extra visitors during its peak tourist season.
In Britain, where over 90% of the sun was obscured, crowds gathered to watch the best eclipse since 1999. In Greenwich Park, with a view of the River Thames, daytime turned gray, and spectators celebrated with champagne.
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