Near-Total Solar Eclipse to Traverse Europe and Greenland on August 12, 2026 On August 12, 2026, a near-total solar eclipse will sweep across the Arctic, passing through Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, with the moon’s shadow blocking the sun for up to two minutes and 18 seconds. This event marks the first total solar eclipse visible in mainland Europe since 1999, with approximately 15 million people, primarily in Spain, located within the path of totality. The eclipse will begin at 15:34 GMT, creating a dramatic celestial spectacle for observers in the region. The path of totality will stretch from the Arctic to southern Spain, with the longest duration of darkness occurring in northern and eastern Spain. Cities such as Leon, Valladolid, Zaragoza, Teruel, and Valencia will experience the full eclipse, while Madrid and Barcelona, though outside the direct path, will still witness over 99% solar coverage. In western Spain, totality is expected to last up to 110 seconds, depending on the exact location. The event will be a rare opportunity for scientists and astronomy enthusiasts to study the sun’s corona, the faint outer atmosphere visible only during a total eclipse. Beyond the path of totality, a partial eclipse will be observable across much of Western Europe, parts of Northwestern Africa, and a small portion of the United States. Nearly 980 million people, or about one in eight globally, will see the sun at least partially obscured. This includes regions where the sun sets during the eclipse, such as parts of North Africa and eastern Europe, where the deepest phase of the eclipse may not be visible due to the timing. For example, in Paris, 92% of the sun will be covered, while London and Berlin will see 91% and 85% coverage, respectively.#spain #iceland #greenland #near_total_solar_eclipse #arctic
Greenland Issues 'Strong Warning' as Trump-Linked Oil Firm Prepares to Drill The Greenland government has issued a firm statement warning that no official approval has been granted for an American oil company linked to Donald Trump to proceed with exploratory drilling in the Arctic territory. Greenland Energy, a Texas-based firm with ties to the former U.S. president, has brought equipment ashore on the island’s eastern coast, sparking concerns over its operations and potential environmental impact. The company’s actions have drawn criticism from local authorities, who emphasize that all logistical steps must be approved by the mineral resources authority before any drilling can commence. Greenland Energy claims that up to $1 trillion in crude oil may lie beneath the Jameson Land region, prompting the company to allocate $60 million for drilling two wells to assess reserves. Despite Greenland’s ban on new oil licenses since 2021 due to environmental concerns, the firm asserts it will take a majority stake in an existing project led by the UK-based 80 Mile company. However, the project still requires government authorization to proceed. The company’s corporate filings highlight its financial backing for the exploration, though no formal drilling permits have been issued. The controversy has intensified with Donald Trump’s recent social media posts, where he threatened to claim Greenland as part of the U.S. territory. His latest message, shared on Truth Social, depicted him looming over a Greenlandic village, reigniting debates about American influence in the Arctic. Greenland Energy’s leadership, including chair Larry Swets—a prominent shareholder with ties to Trump’s inner circle—has insisted the project is unrelated to U.S. annexation.#donald_trump #greenland #greenland_energy #larry_swets #ramsar_convention
Total Solar Eclipse of 2026: Path of Totality and Viewing Locations The total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, will traverse a narrow path across the Northern Hemisphere, offering millions of people a rare opportunity to witness the moon fully obscuring the sun. The path of totality begins over the Arctic Ocean, moving through eastern Greenland, western Iceland, northern Spain, the Balearic Islands, and concluding in the Mediterranean Sea. This narrow corridor, approximately 182 miles (293 kilometers) wide, will be the only region where observers can experience the complete eclipse, during which the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, becomes visible to the naked eye. For those within the path of totality, the event will briefly transform daylight into twilight, creating a dramatic celestial spectacle. Outside this narrow band, a much broader area will experience a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a "bite" out of the sun. This partial phase will be visible across much of Europe, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, and Scandinavia. Safety remains a critical consideration for all viewers. Direct observation of the sun, even during partial phases, is never safe without proper eye protection. Certified solar eclipse glasses or solar filters for telescopes, binoculars, and cameras are essential. During totality, when the moon completely blocks the sun, it is briefly safe to look directly at the eclipse, but only for the short duration of the event. The event will be accompanied by extensive live coverage, including a dedicated live blog tracking updates from reporters on the ground.#iceland #total_solar_eclipse_2026 #greenland #arctic_ocean #balearic_islands
Trump Yelled at NATO Leaders in Public. In Private, It Was a Different Story President Donald Trump began his visit to Ankara by publicly criticizing NATO, listing grievances that left allies uneasy. However, during private meetings, his tone shifted significantly. According to four anonymous sources, Trump expressed a more positive stance during a final 30-minute speech, omitting his usual demands to annex Greenland or criticize Spain. While some criticism was present, the meeting included numerous compliments. “We want to remain with you,” Trump reportedly said, according to a participant. The abrupt change marked a notable reversal for a president who had previously threatened to withdraw from the alliance. European leaders had praised Trump for encouraging allies to increase defense spending, yet the exact reason for his shift remained unclear. One diplomat noted, “His mood seems to have swung,” while another described the private meeting as “a bit unexpected,” with a “lot better” atmosphere than his public remarks. During the private session, Trump highlighted the U.S. military’s strength and thanked leaders from Poland, Germany, the Baltic states, and Norway for their contributions to NATO. He later claimed the summit was “a great meeting” and emphasized the “lot of love in that room” ahead of a separate meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This contrasted sharply with his earlier public outbursts, where he lambasted NATO for failing to assist with the Iran conflict and criticized Spain for not increasing defense spending. Trump even called for cutting ties with Spain during those remarks. In the private meeting, Trump did not mention specific nations on his “naughty list,” according to a diplomat.#nato #donald_trump #mark_rutte #greenland #mette_frederiksen
US President Donald Trump Reiterates Desire to Control Greenland and Criticizes NATO at Summit President Donald Trump, attending the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, reiterated his belief that the United States should control Greenland, calling the Arctic territory strategically vital to American security. However, he acknowledged that such a move would strain his already tense relationship with NATO, which he has frequently criticized for its perceived inefficiencies and lack of commitment to U.S. interests. During bilateral meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Trump also announced his intention to decide whether to sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey despite a congressional ban on such sales. The decision comes amid growing tensions with Turkey, which has been sanctioned by the U.S. for its purchase of Russian air defense systems. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Trump that Israel would oppose the sale, citing concerns over Turkey’s alignment with adversarial powers. The summit, which marks the first time NATO leaders are convening in Turkey, has also drawn attention to regional security issues. Security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments, is a key agenda item, with U.S. officials reiterating sanctions on Iranian oil sales in response to attacks on commercial vessels near the strait. Trump’s comments on Greenland reflect broader concerns about U.S. influence in the Arctic, where climate change is opening new shipping routes and resource opportunities. While he has long advocated for NATO members to increase defense spending, he has criticized the alliance for its reliance on U.S. military dominance. The U.S.#nato #turkey #us_president_donald_trump #greenland #f_35_fighter_jets
Rare Total Solar Eclipse of 2026: Millions to Witness from These Countries NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have confirmed the date and timing of the rare total solar eclipse set to occur in 2026. This celestial event will be visible to millions across specific regions, with the most dramatic “totality”—the moment when the sun is completely obscured by the moon—experienced in select areas. The total solar eclipse will be visible from Greenland, where observers will witness the longest duration of totality, lasting over two minutes. Iceland and Spain will also see the event, though Spain’s main landmass last experienced a total eclipse in 1905. In northern Spain, the total phase will last approximately 20 seconds. Portugal’s northeastern regions will have partial visibility, as will parts of Europe, Africa, and North America, where only a portion of the sun will be obscured. This eclipse marks a significant astronomical event, as the last total solar eclipse visible from Europe occurred in 2006. The phenomenon occurs when the moon aligns perfectly between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the planet’s surface. During totality, day will briefly turn to darkness, creating one of the most striking natural spectacles in the sky. Safety guidelines from NASA and experts emphasize the importance of proper eye protection. Direct observation without specialized equipment, such as certified solar viewing glasses or eclipse filters for telescopes, can cause irreversible eye damage. Ordinary sunglasses or unfiltered optical devices are ineffective and dangerous. Additionally, using telescopes or cameras without proper filters risks severe injury due to concentrated sunlight. The event has sparked global interest, with millions expected to gather in designated viewing areas.#nasa #european_space_agency #iceland #total_solar_eclipse_2026 #greenland
