Witness Iceland’s historic total solar eclipse

The first and only total solar eclipse in the lifetime of 9 of 10 Icelanders

Coincidentally, June 17 is Iceland’s National Day, but that didn’t exist until 1944

This makes preparation essential, so check all the information below

The total eclipse will move across western Iceland, from north to south, the afternoon of August 12.

Here are some of Icewear’s top recommendations for where to view:

• Reykjavík

• Reykjanes Peninsula

• Snæfellsnes Peninsula

• Westfjords

During a solar eclipse, the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, briefly bocking the sun’s rays and giving off a look of twilight. This is especially striking in August in Iceland, when the summer days are still 17 hours long. Stars and planets appear during the eclipse, and the sun’s corona becomes visible.

The “path of totality” is the narrow band where the moon completely covers the sun. Inside this path, you’ll experience full darkness. Outside it, you could still see a partial eclipse.

The eclipse will start, from north to south, on the northwester edge of Iceland starting at 5:40 PM on August 12. It will cross the southernmost edge of western Iceland at 5:50 PM

Yes, for the first time in nearly 600 years, a total solar eclipse will be visible from Reykjavík.

Do:

• Wear certified eclipse glasses

• Inspect your glasses before use

• Remove the glasses only after the eclipse

Don’t:

• Use sunglasses

• Use cameras without filters

• Use binoculars without solar filters