After almost 30 years, the greatest spectacle in the skies of Europe is coming

After nearly 30 years, one of the most spectacular astronomical events in Europe will take place this summer. On August 12, observers across the continent will witness a total solar eclipse, marking the first such occurrence visible in mainland Europe since 1999. The event will be particularly notable for its visibility in parts of Spain, Iceland, and northern Portugal, where the moon will completely obscure the sun for over two minutes. In Slovenia, while a full eclipse will not be visible, a partial eclipse will still offer a striking display, with the moon covering up to 86% of the sun’s diameter in some areas. The path of totality will cross through eastern Greenland, western Iceland, northern Spain, and a small portion of Portugal. During the peak of the eclipse, the moon will fully block the sun, creating a rare opportunity for viewers to see the sun's corona, a glowing halo of plasma surrounding the dark disk of the moon. This phenomenon occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the planet. For many astronomy enthusiasts, the event represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to observe a total solar eclipse, prompting plans for travel to locations where the eclipse will be most dramatic. In Slovenia, the partial eclipse will begin around 7:25 PM local time in Ljubljana, reaching its maximum phase just after 8:11 PM, before ending shortly thereafter. Observers in different parts of the country will experience slight variations in timing, with the eclipse starting up to two minutes earlier in Maribor and slightly later in Nova Gorica. The moon will cover approximately 84.2% of the sun’s surface in Ljubljana and 79.46% in Maribor, resulting in a noticeable dimming of daylight and a dramatic shift in the sky’s appearance. A key feature of this eclipse is that it will coincide with sunset, making it possible to witness the moon gradually obscuring the sun as it sets below the horizon. This alignment creates a unique visual effect, with the sun appearing as a crescent-shaped disc partially hidden by the moon. The combination of the eclipse and the setting sun will result in unusually sharp shadows and unusual patterns of light, especially in forested areas where gaps in tree canopies act as natural pinholes, projecting images of the partially obscured sun onto the ground. Observers should be aware of the risks associated with viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Looking directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, can cause severe damage to the eyes, including permanent blindness. Specialized solar filters or eclipse glasses must be used to safely view the event. While the eclipse will occur near the horizon, the risk of eye injury remains high, and prolonged exposure to even filtered sunlight can lead to serious consequences. During the eclipse, several interesting phenomena may be observed. The overall brightness of the sky will decrease significantly, though it will not become fully dark. The sun will appear as a crescent shape, with the moon covering most of its surface. Shadows cast by objects will become more pronounced, and in wooded areas, multiple small arcs of light may be visible due to the way light passes through leaves. Some animals, such as birds and insects, may exhibit unusual behavior in response to the sudden change in light levels, momentarily altering their usual activities.