Key Facts

• A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light.
• This is the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe in 20 years.
• The eclipse will start in Russia’s Arctic north and move across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain.
• Northern Spain will have the best views, with total darkness lasting less than 2.5 minutes.
• Millions of Europeans will also see a partial eclipse, including people in Canada, northern US, and northwest Africa.
• Spanish authorities are warning people to avoid actions that could cause wildfires, as the eclipse happens during a hot summer with ongoing fires.
• The event may bring an extra half a million visitors to Spain.
• Scientists study solar eclipses to learn more about the sun, including its outer atmosphere called the corona.