Solar eclipse on Wednesday: 980 million will be able to see it; where totality will occur and how to observe

On Wednesday, about 980 million people in parts of the Northern Hemisphere will have the chance to observe a solar eclipse, a phenomenon that should darken the sky and reveal the Sun's corona, with practical effects on power generation and clear safety and viewing recommendations.

What will happen

The eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun during the day, casting a shadow that temporarily darkens the sky. At maximum, the lunar disk aligns with the Sun and the solar corona, the Sun's outer atmosphere, becomes visible.

As the Moon approaches, it is possible to notice a drop in temperature, crescent-shaped shadows, changes in the wind and atypical animal behaviour. Before totality, the phenomenon known as "Baily's beads" may appear: the Sun's last rays passing through valleys on the lunar surface, forming points of light around the disk.

Researchers will monitor the event with special instruments to study the solar corona and capture rare images.

Where and when it will be seen

The eclipse will reach totality in specific areas: Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, northern Spain and northeastern Portugal. Much of Western Europe and parts of North Africa and North America will see it as a partial eclipse.

The spectacle begins at 15:34 GMT, with progressive darkening. Around 17:46 GMT the eclipse will reach totality for about two minutes. Iceland will have totality at about 17:48 GMT; observers in Spain will see totality at about 18:27 GMT.

This is the first solar eclipse visible to most of continental Europe since 1999. Later in August there will be another phenomenon: a lunar eclipse on 27–28 August. The next solar eclipse will occur on 2 February 2027, over much of Africa, South America and parts of Antarctica.

How to observe safely and where to look

Because the event happens relatively late in the day, it is recommended to observe from high points with an unobstructed view to the west, such as west-facing hills, towers or roofs (safely).

For sharper images there are live streams, including a live stream from NASA.

Eye safety

• Regular sunglasses, even polarized ones, are not sufficient protection.
• It is necessary to use ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses; many units are already sold out.
• Safe alternatives to view the phenomenon with children include pinhole cameras and projecting the Sun's image using a kitchen colander or objects with small holes.
• Never look at the Sun through cameras, telescopes or binoculars without specialised filters, as concentrated light can cause permanent damage to the retina.

Practical impacts and next steps

The eclipse will temporarily reduce solar power generation. In Germany, for example, this is expected to lead to a brief increase in electricity prices. Researchers will use the few minutes of totality to test instruments and obtain images that help better understand the region above the Sun's surface.

For the public: plan your observation location in advance, check availability of certified glasses or indirect viewing instruments and consider following official broadcasts if you cannot safely be on a high point.

Source consulted: DW - International News