Cosmic Events: Europe’s Solar Eclipse and North America’s Partial Experience

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North America has enjoyed significant solar eclipses recently. Now, the spotlight shifts to Europe. On Wednesday, a partial solar eclipse will be visible in the northern U.S. and Canada. The moon will partially cover the sun, creating a unique celestial experience.

Total eclipse begins near the North Pole and moves south across Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal. The darkness will be brief, lasting only a few minutes. This is Europe’s first total solar eclipse since 1999. Spain will have another chance for total eclipse next August, along with North Africa and the Middle East.

The Great American Eclipse of 2017 lasted over two minutes, starting in Oregon and ending in South Carolina. In 2024, total eclipse duration doubled, extending from Mexico’s Pacific coast to Newfoundland. The next coast-to-coast total solar eclipse in the U.S. is due in 2045.

If you wish to see a partial eclipse, use certified eclipse glasses. Below are U.S. and Canadian cities positioned for a partial view on Wednesday, including local times and sun coverage percentage:

Anchorage, Alaska: 28% coverage. Starts 7:36 a.m., ends 9:09 a.m., peaks at 8:21 a.m.
Bangor, Maine: 24% coverage. Starts 12:54 p.m., ends 2:49 p.m., peaks at 1:53 p.m.
Detroit: 3% coverage. Starts 1:03 p.m., ends 2:08 p.m., peaks at 1:36 p.m.
Montreal, Quebec: 18% coverage. Starts 12:50 p.m., ends 2:38 p.m., peaks at 1:45 p.m.
New York City: 9% coverage. Starts 1:07 p.m., ends 2:38 p.m., peaks at 1:54 p.m.
Philadelphia: 7% coverage. Starts 1:11 p.m., ends 2:35 p.m., peaks at 1:53 p.m.
St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador: 53% coverage. Starts 2:28 p.m., ends 4:37 p.m., peaks at 3:35 p.m.
Toronto, Ontario: 8% coverage. Starts 12:55 p.m., ends 2:23 p.m., peaks at 1:40 p.m.
Washington, D.C.: 4% coverage. Starts 1:17 p.m., ends 2:27 p.m., peaks at 1:53 p.m.
Winnipeg, Manitoba: 5% coverage. Starts 11:25 a.m., ends 12:40 p.m., peaks at 12:02 p.m.

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