tech
What to know about the solar eclipse
Another solar eclipse is set to sweep across the skies Wednesday, with a total eclipse darkening parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain while observers across portions of North America will see a partial eclipse.
TL;DR
- A total solar eclipse will occur on Wednesday, visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.
- North America, Europe, and Africa will experience a partial solar eclipse.
- Totality occurs when the moon completely blocks the sun, potentially causing dramatic darkening, temperature drops, and visible stars and planets.
- The path of totality is a narrow shadow cast by the moon's umbra, while a partial eclipse is seen within the penumbra.
- The duration of totality varies by location; for example, it will last about one minute in Reykjavik and two minutes in Leon, Spain.
- Eclipses are predictable due to the Saros cycle, a period of approximately 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours.
- Future eclipses include an annular solar eclipse on February 6, 2027, and a total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027.