Total Solar Eclipse to Cross Russia, Europe, and North Africa

A total solar eclipse will occur this Wednesday, August 12, marking the first such event visible in continental Europe in nearly 30 years. The path of totality will begin in northern Russia around 14:00 Brasília time before moving across Greenland, Iceland, and the Atlantic Ocean. The shadow will then cross northern Spain and a small portion of Portugal before ending in the Mediterranean Sea. In other regions of Europe, northwest Africa, and parts of North America, the eclipse will be partial. According to NASA, the period of totality will last less than two minutes in most locations. During this phase, the moon completely covers the sun, allowing the solar corona to be visible to the naked eye. However, protective eyewear is required for all other phases of the event. In Spain, the totality is expected to begin near 20:30. To assist viewers, the Spanish National Geographic Institute (IGN) and the Ministry of Science have provided official apps and augmented reality tools to help people find optimal viewing locations. Local governments and autonomous communities have also designated nearly 400 official observation points equipped with security and emergency services.