Solar prominences flare from the sun as the moon crosses in front during a total solar eclipse, as seen in Chardon, Ohio, on April 8, 2024. Millions of people live in the path of Wednesday's total solar eclipse, viewable mostly from Europe. File Photo by Pat Benic/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Some 15.2 million people across the world -- mostly Europe -- live in the path of totality of Wednesday's solar eclipse.
It will mark the first total solar eclipse viewable from Europe since 1999, Space.com reported.
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on Earth as it blocks the sun's rays. In some areas, the phenomenon will be what's known as a total solar eclipse, in which all but the very outer edges of the sun will be blocked by the moon.
About 12% of the world's population, or 980 million people, live in areas where they'll be able to view the solar eclipse. A much smaller portion, about. 0.2% or 15.2 million people, live in the path of totality.
