Total solar eclipse to darken parts of Europe on Wednesday

A total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of continental Europe on Wednesday, with the path of totality beginning in northern Russia around 6:08 p.m. CET and moving over the Arctic Ocean, Greenland, Iceland and a swath of Spain. In Iceland, viewing events are planned in Reykjavik, where totality will last about one minute. Spain expects up to 40 percent of its territory to experience total darkness, although some planned gatherings have been cancelled because of the ongoing severe fire season and high temperatures.

Travel demand has risen sharply, with many visitors paying high hotel rates to stay within the umbra, the narrow zone of total shadow. Local authorities in Spain have warned that the combination of heat, dry vegetation and large crowds could increase the risk of new wildfires, especially in forested areas such as the Sierra Norte.

Safety officials emphasize that looking directly at the Sun outside the brief totality phase can cause eye injury. The Spanish National Organization of the Blind is distributing 1.7 million pairs of eclipse glasses, which are also being included with lottery tickets.

New York Times journalists will provide live coverage from several locations, including Spain, Iceland, Britain and New York City.