Europe witnesses first total solar eclipse since 1999 as millions gather across Spain and Portugal

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Millions across Europe observed a total solar eclipse on Aug. 12–13, with the path of totality crossing Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Portugal, according to NPR and Ground News . The event marked Europe’s first total solar eclipse since 1999, as reported by Ground News.
In Spain, large crowds gathered in cities along the eclipse path, with NPR noting the country experienced its first total solar eclipse in over a century. Authorities had anticipated up to 460,000 foreign tourists and 1.5 million domestic travelers, straining transportation and emergency planning, according to established reports.
NASA’s live broadcast of the eclipse included a map depicting Crimea as part of Russia, as observed by @IntelSlava . Meanwhile, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez viewed the eclipse from La Mareta in Lanzarote, contrary to earlier speculation about his presence at the Observatorio de Yebes in Guadalajara, according to Europa Press and the Subdelegación del Gobierno en Guadalajara .
Thai astronomer Saran Poshyachinda, founder of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, observed the eclipse from the Observatorio de Yebes, having witnessed 15 total solar eclipses in his career .
In Ljubljana, three individuals sought medical attention at an eye clinic after viewing the eclipse without proper protection, reporting blurred vision and a sensation of pressure in their eyes .
Public engagement with the event extended to media participation, with outlets like La Vanguardia inviting readers to submit photographs of the eclipse for publication . In Portugal, Observador covered the eclipse with live broadcasts from Lisbon, capturing the moment of total darkness .
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