Skywatchers across Iceland, Greenland, northern Russia, Spain, and a part of Portugal prepare for a rare total solar eclipse on Wednesday, according to astronomers, while northern parts of the United States, including from Alaska to North Carolina, will experience a partial solar eclipse as the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun.
Viewing the Celestial Alignment: Timelines and Regional Coverage
During a partial solar eclipse, the moon passes between the sun and Earth without a perfect alignment, causing the sun to appear as a crescent shape. In Washington, D.C., NASA expects the partial eclipse to begin around 1:17 p.m. ET with 4% coverage of the sun. Further north, Reykjavík, Iceland will experience the start of a total eclipse at 5:48 p.m. local time.
In León, Spain, totality is scheduled to begin at 8:28 p.m. and last for two minutes. This event marks the first solar eclipse visible from Spain’s mainland since 1905, according to data from the European Space Agency.
Pro Tip: Regular sunglasses will not be effective for eye protection, even during a partial eclipse. Always use special equipment such as eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with special filters, as looking at the sun can cause burns and permanent vision loss, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Scientific Research During the Short-Lived Darkness
Beyond the visual spectacle, researchers plan to deploy specialized equipment to study solar phenomena during the brief period of totality. NASA announced plans to utilize scientific balloons and a high-altitude jet to examine how a temporarily darkened sky impacts the Earth’s atmosphere.
“From our unique perspective on Earth during a total solar eclipse, scientists can study the Sun’s corona in a way we can’t from anywhere else in the solar system,” said Kelly Korreck, eclipse program manager for NASA, in a statement.
Did You Know? The next partial solar eclipse visible across parts of the U.S. is scheduled for Aug. 2, 2027, with totality crossing Spain, the Middle East, and parts of North Africa. A total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of the contiguous U.S. on Aug. 23, 2044.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the partial eclipse begin in Washington, D.C.?
NASA states that the partial eclipse will begin around 1:17 p.m. ET with 4% coverage.
What equipment is needed to view the eclipse safely?
Special equipment such as eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with special filters is necessary to protect against eye damage, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
How long will totality last in León, Spain?
Totality in León will begin at 8:28 p.m. and last for two minutes.
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