Solar eclipses have fascinated people for thousands of years and continue to inspire scientific exploration. On August 12, a total solar eclipse will occur as the moon moves between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow over parts of western Europe and the Arctic. Although total solar eclipses happen roughly every 18 months, any specific location on Earth only experiences one about every 373 years. This eclipse will be most visible from northern Spain, Portugal, eastern Greenland, western Iceland, and the Russian and Canadian Arctic, with much of Europe seeing at least a partial eclipse. In Reykjavík, Iceland, totality will last around two minutes starting at 5:48 P.M. local time, while in Valencia, Spain, it will last about one minute starting at 8:32 P.M. Viewers should wear eye protection to safely watch the eclipse. For those unable to witness it in person, Scientific American will livestream the event from Ibiza, Spain.
QUESTION: How might witnessing a solar eclipse in person change your perspective on the universe and our place in it?
How to watch August’s total solar eclipse live with Scientific American
