MADRID: A rare total solar eclipse will briefly turn parts of northern Spain into darkness on Wednesday as the Moon completely covers the Sun.
The eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Sun and Earth. It then casts a narrow shadow across the planet.
During totality, temperatures can fall and shadows may appear unusual. Some animals may also respond to the sudden darkness.
NASA describes the event as a cosmic coincidence. Although the Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon, it is also roughly 400 times farther away.
Eclipse Path Crosses Europe
The eclipse will begin in northern Russia before crossing Greenland, Iceland, Spain and northeastern Portugal.
In Spain, the path of totality will stretch from Oviedo toward Mallorca. Burgos will experience total darkness for around one minute and 48 seconds.
Meanwhile, totality will last slightly longer in Russia and Greenland. However, the complete eclipse will remain under two-and-a-half minutes.
Partial phases will last around one hour and 45 minutes. Millions of people across Europe will witness at least part of the event.
The shadow will begin crossing Russia at around 1700 GMT. It will then travel across Greenland and Iceland before reaching Spain.
The total eclipse will disappear over the Mediterranean at around 1830 GMT.
This marks mainland Europe’s first total solar eclipse since 2006. The event will also be partially visible across Canada, the northern United States and northwest Africa.
Throughout history, eclipses have inspired fear and wonder. Today, however, scientists view them as rare opportunities to observe celestial phenomena.
