# Total solar eclipse sweeps Europe, first since 1999 2026-08-13T00:45:32+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets A total solar eclipse darkened skies across parts of the Northern Hemisphere on August 12, marking mainland Europe's first totality since 1999. The moon's shadow swept over Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and a small part of Portugal. Totality lasted up to 2 minutes 18 seconds. Millions gathered in Spain, where authorities deployed 33,500 police and set up 350 official viewing sites amid wildfire risks and temperatures above 35°C. The event began globally at 3:34 PM GMT and ended by 7:58 PM GMT. India could not observe the eclipse as it occurred during the country's nighttime. The event was the only total solar eclipse of 2026. Scientists used the brief darkness to study the sun's corona, which is usually hidden by the sun's intense light. Nasa and the European Space Agency broadcast live feeds. The Times of India reports clear skies offered unobstructed views across much of southern England and Wales. ## Coverage - indiatoday.in - indiatoday.in - timesofindia.indiatimes.com - deccanchronicle.com Tags: astronomy, corona, ESA, Europe, NASA, solar eclipse Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/total-solar-eclipse-sweeps-europe-after-27-years/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/total-solar-eclipse-sweeps-europe-after-27-years/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.