Astronomy enthusiasts and curious onlookers across Luxembourg were treated to a rare celestial spectacle on Wednesday, as a near-total solar eclipse dimmed the evening sky. While the eclipse was visible in its entirety from parts of countries including Russia, Greenland, Iceland and Spain, a substantial partial phase – with around 90% of the Sun obscured – could be observed from the Grand Duchy and much of mainland France. It was the most significant solar eclipse visible from Luxembourg since the 11 August 1999 eclipse.
Millions of people, including many who had travelled especially for the eclipse, watched in Spain as the Sun slowly disappeared behind the Moon for around two minutes. The light grew darker until the Sun's corona, its outer atmosphere, became visible around the Moon.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between the earth and the Sun, casting its shadow onto a narrow strip of the earth’s surface. As the French Astronomy Association (AFA) explains, “by a remarkable coincidence – the result of one of the most unique balances in the solar system – the Moon, although 400 times smaller than the Sun, is also 400 times closer: their apparent diameters are identical.”
This particular eclipse followed a dramatic route: starting in Russia, it crossed the northern hemisphere, passing over Greenland, across the Atlantic, and eventually reaching Europe. The eclipse was only total along a narrow path in Spain, from Oviedo through Burgos and Palma. Beyond this path of totality, such as in Luxembourg and France, the eclipse was only partial rather than total.
Anyone who missed the solar eclipse will get the next chance in a year. In August 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in southern Spain and North Africa.
