Millions across Europe are looking to the skies as the 2026 total solar eclipse creates a spectacular celestial event across parts of the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland and Spain.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun’s disc for observers within the narrow path of totality. The Moon’s shadow temporarily darkens the sky, creating an extraordinary daytime spectacle.

At maximum eclipse, totality is expected to last around 2 minutes and 18 seconds. The rare event has attracted huge crowds, with communities across Europe turning into viewing zones.

The eclipse has also sparked a surge in demand for specialised eclipse glasses, with pharmacies, opticians and retailers reporting strong sales and some locations running out of stock.

Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Europe Witnesses Rare Celestial Spectacle After 20 Years

Millions of Europeans are looking to the skies as a rare total solar eclipse sweeps across parts of the continent, briefly turning daylight into darkness.

During totality, the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun, completely blocking the Sun’s disc and revealing its normally hidden outer atmosphere, known as the corona.

The eclipse’s path begins in Russia’s remote Arctic north before moving across Greenland and Iceland and into Spain. Northern Spain is expected to offer some of the best viewing opportunities, with the Moon’s shadow crossing the country from the Atlantic coast towards the Mediterranean.

The event has also become a major tourism attraction, with hundreds of thousands of visitors travelling towards the path of totality. Hotels and other accommodations in several locations have reportedly filled up, while authorities have increased emergency, transport and security resources to manage the expected crowds.

Europe Witnesses Rare Total Solar Eclipse as Spain Prepares for Historic Sky Show

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Total Solar Eclipse 2026: Europe Witnesses Rare Celestial Spectacle After 20 Years

Europe Witnesses Rare Total Solar Eclipse as Spain Prepares for Historic Sky Show