August’s total solar eclipse will sweep over Spain, Iceland and Greenland
A total solar eclipse is set to occur on August 12, passing over Spain, Iceland, and Greenland. The event will coincide with a meteor shower and a planetary alignment, offering a rare astronomical spectacle.
Why it matters
Major astronomical events have significant cultural and scientific interest, drawing global attention and tourism to specific geographic regions.
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MADRID: For the first time in more than a century, a total solar eclipse is coming to mainland Spain with an even longer encore next summer.<br />
Toss in a crescendoing meteor shower and a six-planet parade on the same day, and the heavens will be overflowing with awe.<br />
Daytime darkness will descend Aug. 12 across the Iberian Peninsula close to sunset — plus slivers of Greenland and Iceland — as the sun, moon and Earth align perfectly in the sky.<br />
Starting near the North Pole before tracking south, totality will last up to two minutes and 18 seconds, an appetizer for an even longer solar show next year — a 6 ½-minute extravaganza that will sweep from Spain to North Africa and the Middle East.<br />
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