Millions of people across Spain and Iceland are preparing to witness a total solar eclipse on Wednesday, packing their protective glasses and traveling to areas where the rare astronomical event can be observed in full.
Eclipse Fever in Spain and Iceland
Humans’ fascination with eclipses is well-documented. Historically, the sudden darkening of the sky was often interpreted as an omen, a cosmic struggle or a sign of divine power. Modern-day skywatchers seek to experience the same uncanny sensation when day briefly turns into twilight and some animals fall quiet as the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun.
Spain’s Secretary of State for Science, Juan Cruz, said, “I hope that tonight will see the emergence of a wonderful generation of astrophysicists. It’s such a special moment.” Authorities were expecting up to 6 million visitors in mostly rural areas within the eclipse’s path across northern Spain and the Balearic Islands, Cruz said.
Preparations and Concerns
Since this year’s eclipse coincides with one of the highest-risk periods for wildfires, Spain has rolled out a massive police operation and public safety campaign. The government also views it as a chance to showcase seldom-visited regions and help address concerns about overtourism on the coast by redistributing crowds away from saturated beach resorts.
In Iceland’s capital Reykjavik, eclipse glasses have been sold out for days as the Nordic country of roughly 400,000 people expects to welcome up to 80,000 visitors. A narrow path of totality will reach Iceland’s westernmost coast at about 5:44 p.m. (1744 GMT), before the Moon’s shadow races east.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
