Millions of people in Iceland and Spain set for 'event of the century' eclipse
Millions of people gathered in Iceland and northern Spain to witness Europe’s first total solar eclipse in 27 years on Wednesday, with Spanish officials warning people to avoid areas where a heatwave has raised the risk of wildfires.
Authorities were expecting up to 6 million visitors in mostly rural areas within the eclipse’s path across the north of Spain and the Balearic Islands, said Juan Cruz, Spain’s Secretary of State for Science.
“I hope that tonight will see the emergence of a wonderful generation of astrophysicists,” he said. “It’s such a special moment.” The eclipse will be quickly followed by the sunset in Spain, making the event particularly alluring.
Police, planes, and helicopters are on standby
The uncanny sensation when day briefly turns into twilight and some animals fall quiet as the moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun was often treated as an omen in the past, a cosmic struggle or a sign of divine power.
Comments
Login to comment
No comments yet. Start the conversation.