Europe to witness rare total solar eclipse today

A total solar eclipse is set to occur today, offering skywatchers across parts of Europe an opportunity to witness a rare astronomical phenomenon

A total solar eclipse is set to occur today, offering skywatchers across parts of Europe an opportunity to witness a rare astronomical phenomenon, according to Arab media reports.

The eclipse is being described as the first total solar eclipse visible from Europe since 1999. The event will be particularly prominent in western Spain and Iceland, where observers will have the chance to see the Moon completely cover the Sun for a brief period.

The total phase is expected to begin at around 6:27pm local time in the areas where the eclipse will be visible. Near Iceland, the period of totality is expected to last approximately two minutes and 18 seconds, making it one of the key locations for viewing the phenomenon.

However, the eclipse will not be limited to areas experiencing totality. Several major European cities are expected to witness a significant partial eclipse. In Madrid and Barcelona, around 99% of the Sun’s disc will be obscured, while Paris is expected to experience approximately 92% coverage.

London will see about 91% of the Sun covered, while Berlin is expected to experience an eclipse of around 85%. The exact appearance and timing of the eclipse will vary depending on the location of observers.

Parts of Africa, Canada and the United States are also expected to witness the eclipse in its partial form, although the degree of visibility will differ from one region to another.

Eclipse not visible in Pakistan

Pakistanis will not be able to observe the solar eclipse, as the astronomical event will take place outside the country’s visible path.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has said that the eclipse will begin at approximately 8:34pm Pakistan Standard Time. It is expected to reach its maximum phase at around 10:46pm before ending at approximately 12:58am.

Since the entire event will occur during nighttime in Pakistan, the eclipse will remain below the horizon and therefore cannot be seen from the country.

The Meteorological Department has also indicated that another major astronomical event is expected later this month. A partial lunar eclipse is scheduled for August 28, but this event, too, will not be visible from Pakistan.

Solar eclipses occur when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun and temporarily blocks some or all of the Sun’s light from reaching certain parts of the Earth. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the visible disc of the Sun for observers located within the narrow path of totality.