In Spain, people hurried to buy specialized glasses to watch a rare solar eclipse. The event prompted officials to caution those traveling to rural areas to prevent wildfires. NASA’s coverage of the eclipse started at 1:15 p.m. EDT, offering a look at the astronomical event.
Millions across northern and central Spain had prime views of the eclipse. The phenomenon began near sunset, creating temporary darkness in parts of the Iberian Peninsula, Greenland, and Iceland. While totality—the moment when the moon fully covers the sun—lasted slightly under 2 minutes and 30 seconds off Iceland, in Spain and Portugal, it lasted about a minute.
Spanish authorities launched a public safety campaign due to the high temperatures and potential for wildfires. They expected an influx of up to 500,000 visitors. Cities like A Coruña, Bilbao, and Santiago de Compostela saw hotel demand rise sharply.
Sky watchers in Medinaceli, a small town in northeast Spain, secured spots hours before the eclipse. Agatha Bak, a philosophy professor, expressed excitement about experiencing the sudden darkness.
Precautions Against Wildfires
The Spanish Interior Ministry prepared for increased visitors in areas known as “Empty Spain.” They set up 350 viewing sites and restricted access to 123 others due to environmental risks or evacuation challenges.
Recent wildfires, such as one in Ávila that consumed 500 square kilometers, heightened concerns. Authorities banned activities like lighting fires or parking in locations with dry vegetation. They also deployed over 33,500 law enforcement officers to observation areas.
High temperatures over 35°C (95°F) were forecasted in regions observing the eclipse. Officials prioritized preventing any spark that might ignite a fire.
Eclipse Glasses in High Demand
Proper eclipse glasses were crucial for safe viewing. Telmo Fernández Castro, from the Madrid Planetarium, stressed their importance, explaining that they block harmful radiation. In the lead-up to the event, many places sold or gave away these glasses, causing shortages, especially in pharmacies.
In Madrid, people lined up outside shops offering eclipse glasses. A woman confirmed the shop had ample stock.
Greenland’s Unique Experience
Aboard the MS Spitsbergen in Greenland, captain Sverre Rudd navigated Rypefjord’s waters to optimize the view for 126 passengers. Passengers accustomed to continuous daylight were eager for the eclipse.
The mood on the ship was enthusiastic, likened to a festive atmosphere, as anticipation grew for the brief darkness.
Iceland’s Eclipse Anticipation
In Iceland, hotel prices soared, with Reykjavík rooms costing over $1,000 for the night. Though cloudy skies threatened visibility, many visitors had booked accommodations well in advance.
The Hotel Keflavík was fully booked, with expectations for over a minute of totality. Owner Steinþór Jónsson compared the demand to the 1986 Reagan-Gorbachev summit, noting the eclipse was one of the most significant events for his hotel.