13-08-2026
Spain’s path of total solar eclipse attracted large crowds, with roughly half a million additional visitors expected to gather along the route of totality. In Medinaceli, a hilltop town in north-eastern Spain, spectators arrived hours before the event carrying chairs, hats and eclipse glasses in order to secure unobstructed views. The eclipse was also visible in Getxo, a coastal town north-west of Bilbao in the Basque Country.
In Getxo, the Moon completely covered the Sun for only a few seconds at approximately 20:27 CEST, when the Sun was just eight degrees above the western horizon. Totality lasted about one minute in Spain before the eclipse continued toward the Mediterranean. The longest total phase occurred farther north, off Iceland’s west coast, where it lasted less than two and a half minutes.
The influx of visitors placed pressure on Spanish hotels and local services, with authorities preparing for at least 500,000 extra tourists along the eclipse path. The event also coincided with extremely hot summer conditions and wildfires in Spain. In response, authorities launched a major public safety campaign to address risks associated with the heat, crowds and fires.
The eclipse combined a rare astronomical event with a significant tourism surge, drawing spectators to both inland and coastal viewing locations. While the article focuses on the public’s efforts to witness totality, it also highlights the logistical and safety challenges created by the unusually large number of visitors and severe summer weather.
Entities: Spain, Medinaceli, Getxo, Bilbao, Basque Country • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
13-08-2026
The article reports on a partial solar eclipse observed over Paris, where the event appeared to carve or frame the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower against the sky. The image presented the eclipse as a striking astronomical event set against one of France’s most recognizable landmarks. Although viewers in Paris and elsewhere in France saw only part of the Sun obscured by the Moon, the eclipse was total in several other locations, including Greenland, Iceland and Spain. The article places the Paris observation within the broader geographic path of the eclipse, distinguishing between regions that experienced a partial eclipse and those that experienced totality. It was published on August 13, 2026, in Al Jazeera’s Science and Technology section. The report is brief and primarily descriptive, focusing on the visual effect of the eclipse over Paris rather than providing technical explanations, viewing guidance or detailed scientific analysis. Its central subject is the contrast between the darkened or partially obscured Sun and the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower, which made the event particularly notable in the French capital.
Entities: Solar eclipse, Partial solar eclipse, Eiffel Tower, Paris, France • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
13-08-2026
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere on Wednesday, producing a narrow path of totality across remote areas and parts of Europe. Northern Spain and western Iceland offered some of the best opportunities to experience totality, while northern Greenland and northern Russia also fell along the eclipse’s route. Spain hosted a particularly notable viewing event because the country had not experienced a total solar eclipse since 1905.
The eclipse began in extreme northern Russia at 1 p.m. Eastern time and moved across northeast Greenland, western Iceland, the northern Atlantic and the United Kingdom before reaching northern Spain at approximately 2:30 p.m. ET. The entire crossing lasted about an hour and 45 minutes, while totality at any given location lasted roughly two minutes. London experienced a maximum eclipse of 91% at 2:13 p.m. ET.
Although totality was limited to a relatively narrow region, a partial eclipse was visible across a much broader area. Approximately 230 million people lived in places receiving at least 90% eclipse coverage, including residents of Madrid, London and Paris. Parts of North America also saw a partial eclipse: Fairbanks, Alaska, reached 37% coverage, while Boston, New York City, Toronto and Philadelphia saw smaller portions.
The article emphasizes the importance of eye protection. Viewers must wear certified eclipse glasses throughout a partial eclipse and may remove them only during the brief period of totality, when the moon completely blocks the sun.
For U.S. viewers, the next total solar eclipse visible nationally will occur in 2044, crossing Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Another eclipse in 2045 will move from Northern California across the country to Florida, with cities including Reno, Colorado Springs, Tulsa, Little Rock, Jackson and Orlando in its path. A total eclipse will cross the southeastern states in 2052, while the northeastern United States must wait until 2079.
Entities: 2026 total solar eclipse, Northern Hemisphere, path of totality, Northern Spain, Western Iceland • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
13-08-2026
The article explains how people should responsibly dispose of or reuse solar eclipse glasses after the 2026 total solar eclipse, which was visible across large parts of Spain and smaller areas of Portugal, Greenland and Iceland. Millions of viewers used protective eyewear because looking directly at the Sun, even briefly, can cause permanent retinal damage known as solar burn. The surge in demand for glasses before the event also created concerns about the environmental impact of the large quantity of cardboard and plastic eyewear left afterward.
Eclipse glasses can usually be recycled only in part. Their specialised lenses are made from black polymer or metal-coated polyester film, materials that most municipal recycling facilities cannot process. The lenses should therefore be removed before disposal. Clean cardboard and paper frames can generally go into standard cardboard recycling, while most plastic frames cannot be recycled through ordinary municipal systems.
Reuse is another option. Glasses made before 2015, including many pairs from the 1999 eclipse, may have degraded and should not be used. Modern glasses meeting the ISO 12312-2 safety standard can last indefinitely if they remain undamaged, although experts generally recommend reuse for up to 10 years. Users should discard any glasses with scratches, punctures, loose filters or other visible damage. A basic safety check involves viewing a bright light through the glasses; a safe pair should produce total darkness.
The article encourages readers to store undamaged glasses for future eclipses, including events expected in 2027 and 2028. Those who are unlikely to attend a future eclipse can donate lightly used glasses through libraries, museums, schools or other collection programmes, or send them to people living in locations where upcoming eclipses will be visible. These options can reduce landfill waste and extend the useful life of the eyewear.
Entities: Angela Symons, Ruth Wright, Euronews, 2026 total solar eclipse, Spain • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
13-08-2026
Spain experienced its first total solar eclipse in more than a century on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, attracting large crowds to viewing locations across the northern part of the country. The Moon moved directly across the Sun, creating a narrow path of totality that included towns such as Medinaceli in north-eastern Spain and Getxo in the Basque Country.
In Medinaceli, spectators arrived several hours before the eclipse, bringing chairs, hats and eclipse glasses in an effort to secure unobstructed views. In Getxo, the Moon completely covered the Sun for only a few seconds at approximately 20:27 CEST, when the Sun was just eight degrees above the western horizon. Totality lasted for about one minute in Spain before the eclipse continued toward the Mediterranean. The longest total phase, lasting under two and a half minutes, occurred farther north off Iceland’s west coast.
Spanish authorities estimated that at least 500,000 additional visitors would travel along the eclipse path, placing pressure on accommodation, transport and local services. The influx of tourists coincided with exceptionally high summer temperatures and wildfires, leading authorities to launch a major public safety campaign.
The event combined astronomy and tourism, with communities preparing for a rare celestial spectacle and the associated logistical and safety challenges. The video report highlights both the enthusiasm of spectators and the demands placed on Spanish towns and emergency services during the eclipse.
Entities: Spain, Medinaceli, Getxo, Bilbao, Basque Country • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
13-08-2026
A rare solar eclipse crossed Europe on Wednesday, 13 August 2026, prompting skywatchers in several countries to gather and observe the Moon passing in front of the Sun. Crowds assembled in major cities including Paris, Brussels and Rome, while observers in Russia also followed the eclipse as it moved across the solar disc. The event produced different levels of darkness depending on location. A total eclipse was visible along a narrow path extending across northern Spain, parts of Portugal and Iceland. In much of western and central Europe, viewers experienced a partial eclipse instead. The total phase caused areas along the path of totality to fall into darkness, making the event particularly striking for observers. People used special eclipse glasses and other protective equipment to protect their eyes while watching the Sun. The event was described as rare, attracting widespread public interest across the continent. The video report documents the eclipse and the crowds who gathered to witness it, while related coverage addressed eclipse safety, possible effects on animals and the impact of reduced sunlight on solar power generation. The report focuses primarily on the visibility and public observation of the eclipse rather than on scientific analysis or broader consequences.
Entities: Rare solar eclipse, Europe, Moon, Sun, Northern Spain • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
13-08-2026
Spain is preparing for a rare total solar eclipse while facing extreme heat, dry vegetation and an elevated wildfire risk. Millions of people are expected to gather across northern and central Spain for the event, which will briefly bring parts of the Iberian Peninsula, as well as portions of Greenland and Iceland, into darkness. Totality will last less than two and a half minutes at its maximum and about one minute over Spain before the eclipse moves across the Mediterranean.
Authorities expect the eclipse to attract at least 500,000 additional visitors. Hotels in cities along the path of totality, including A Coruña, Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela, have seen a surge in demand. Hundreds of official viewing sites have been established, but access to 123 other locations has been restricted because of environmental concerns or evacuation difficulties.
The eclipse coincides with a dangerous period of summer weather. Temperatures are expected to exceed 35 C in many parts of Spain, while the country is still dealing with active wildfires. A recent fire in Ávila burned about 500 square kilometres and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate. More than 33,500 law enforcement officers will be deployed to viewing areas and access points, and officials are urging visitors not to light fires, litter or park on dry vegetation.
The article also highlights the rush for certified eclipse glasses, which are necessary to prevent eye damage from solar radiation. Supplies have sold out in some pharmacies and stores, prompting queues at shops in Madrid. Officials say proper eye protection remains essential even when only a small portion of the sun is visible.
Entities: Total solar eclipse, Spain, Iberian Peninsula, Greenland, Iceland • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: warn
13-08-2026
Millions of people gathered across Spain, Portugal, Iceland, Greenland and Britain on Aug. 12, 2026, to watch a rare total solar eclipse. The event was especially significant in Spain, where it was the country’s first total solar eclipse in more than a century. Crowds assembled in cities, rural viewing sites and historic towns, bringing lawn chairs, umbrellas and certified eclipse glasses. As the moon completely covered the sun, darkness fell rapidly and spectators applauded and cheered.
Totality lasted less than two and a half minutes at its maximum over the waters west of Iceland. By the time the eclipse reached Portugal and Spain shortly before sunset, totality lasted about a minute before ending over the Mediterranean. Spanish authorities estimated that the eclipse would attract at least 500,000 additional visitors, causing hotel demand and prices to surge in cities including A Coruña, Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela.
The spectacle unfolded during a difficult summer marked by extreme heat and wildfires. Temperatures exceeded 35 degrees Celsius in many viewing areas, while authorities established about 350 official sites and deployed more than 33,500 law enforcement officers. Spain was also responding to its most destructive wildfire on record, which had recently burned 500 square kilometers and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate in Ávila.
Clouds and rain obscured the eclipse for many viewers in Iceland, though crowds in Reykjavík still cheered when darkness arrived. A cruise ship near eastern Greenland maneuvered to position its passengers for a clear view. In Iceland, hotel rooms averaged more than $1,000, and some properties had been booked years in advance. Britain experienced a partial eclipse, with more than 90% of the sun obscured in many locations. Viewers there described the event as magical, humbling and an unusual birthday gift from the universe.
Entities: Total solar eclipse of August 2026, Spain, Portugal, Iceland, Greenland • Tone: emotional • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
13-08-2026
A total solar eclipse crossed parts of Europe, bringing a rare period of darkness to Spain and allowing millions across the continent to observe the Moon pass in front of the Sun. The event was especially significant for Spain, where a total solar eclipse had not been seen on the mainland for more than a century. Although a hybrid eclipse produced a few seconds of totality in 1912, some astronomers consider 1905 the country’s previous full-scale total solar eclipse.
The eclipse’s path of totality began over the North Atlantic and reached Iceland, where totality lasted as long as 2 minutes and 13 seconds on the western coast. Its maximum duration, approximately 2 minutes and 18 seconds, occurred offshore. In Reykjavik, cloudy and rainy weather limited views of the Sun, but crowds still cheered when daylight abruptly faded and returned.
Across Europe, observers outside the path of totality experienced a partial eclipse. People gathered in St Petersburg, Berlin and London, where more than 90% of the Sun was obscured in Britain. The sky became noticeably darker and grey, although the Sun was not completely blocked.
The Moon’s shadow reached northwestern Spain at about 8:28 p.m. local time, shortly before sunset. Locations including A Coruña and Bilbao experienced totality, while inland communities such as Buitrago de Lozoya saw darkness last for roughly a minute. Spectators reported seeing Baily’s beads—points of sunlight visible along the Moon’s edge—as totality ended. Crowds across Spain applauded and cheered as sunlight returned.
The eclipse also marked the beginning of an unusual sequence for Spain. Another total solar eclipse is expected to cross the country on August 2, 2027, followed by an annular “ring of fire” eclipse on January 26, 2028, meaning Spain will wait less than a year for its next total eclipse.
Entities: Total solar eclipse, Spain, Western Europe, Iceland, North Atlantic • Tone: analytical • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
13-08-2026
Skywatchers across Canada are preparing for two major celestial events occurring within hours of each other: a partial solar eclipse on Wednesday and the annual Perseid meteor shower, which peaks Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The eclipse will be visible mainly in northern and western Canada, with Newfoundland and Labrador expected to have the clearest Canadian view. Pierre Langlois of the Canadian Space Agency says the province will experience the greatest degree of coverage, although it will not see a total eclipse. Local peak viewing times range from 8:54 a.m. in Prince George, B.C., to 2:28 p.m. in St. John’s, N.L., with Edmonton and Toronto reaching maximum visibility at 10:02 a.m. and 12:55 p.m., respectively.
The article stresses that proper eclipse glasses or other approved eye protection are essential because looking directly at the Sun can damage the eyes. Viewers without glasses can create a simple pinhole projector using a cardboard box, aluminum foil and white paper. The next total solar eclipse visible in the region is not expected until Aug. 22, 2044, while Spain and Iceland will have a more complete view of the current eclipse.
The Perseid meteor shower is produced when Earth passes through debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle. The particles enter the atmosphere at approximately 59 kilometres per second, vaporize high above Earth and create visible streaks of light. For the best viewing experience, the Canadian Space Agency and NASA recommend travelling away from city lights, using a red filter on flashlights, lying on one’s back and looking across as much of the sky as possible. Viewers should allow their eyes at least 30 minutes to adjust to darkness and avoid bright phone screens. Langlois suggests that the darkest and most favourable period may be between roughly 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Entities: Partial solar eclipse, Perseid meteor shower, Planetary parade, Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
