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Millions crowd Spanish cities for a total solar eclipse
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Millions gathered across Spain to witness the country's first total solar eclipse in over a century, with totality lasting up to 2½ minutes in some areas and drawing large crowds to northern and central regions.
- The event coincided with extreme summer heat and ongoing wildfires, prompting extensive public safety measures including deployment of over 33,500 law enforcement officers and establishment of 350 official viewing sites.
- Iceland experienced cloudy conditions but still saw hundreds gather to observe the eclipse, while hotel prices in both Spain and Iceland surged due to high demand from tourists.
- Special eclipse glasses were in high demand for safe viewing, with many stores and pharmacies running out of stock ahead of the event.
- In Britain, where the sun was mostly obscured, people celebrated the rare eclipse with gatherings in parks and public spaces, reflecting on the cosmic significance of the phenomenon.
