Total solar eclipse crosses parts of the world, only partial in Latvia
On Wednesday a total solar eclipse swept across parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including Spain, while Latvia and much of Europe saw only a partial eclipse.
On Wednesday, a striking celestial event unfolded as a total solar eclipse began over northern Siberia. The Moon's shadow then arced across Greenland and Iceland before eventually reaching Spain.
Path of totality
The full eclipse was visible within a roughly 300-kilometre-wide band crossing Spain from the northwest to the southeast, including the Balearic Islands such as Mallorca. The Moon's shadow also touched a small part of Portugal.
In Latvia, as in other parts of Europe, North America and West Africa, only a partial eclipse could be observed, with the Moon covering just a portion of the Sun.
Large tourist interest in Spain
Many tourists from around the world travelled to Spain specifically to witness the eclipse. Hotel rooms along the path of totality had reportedly been booked out months in advance in many locations, while some residents rented out private balconies and rooftop terraces with unobstructed views for several hundred euros.
Given the expected influx of visitors, the Spanish government put extensive security measures in place, mobilising more than 33,000 police officers and civil guards. Two million certified eclipse-viewing glasses were distributed free of charge to residents and visitors.
The event was especially notable because the last total solar eclipse visible in mainland Spain occurred back in 1905.
