Members of Parliament from all parties are calling for the formation of a task force in response to the upcoming total solar eclipse in 2026, reports RÚV.
The total solar eclipse will be visible in western Iceland on August 12, 2026. It is considered a historic event, as the next total solar eclipse is expected to take place in 170 years.
Due to the rarity of such an event, a large number of international tourists are expected in Iceland. Accommodation in the Westfjords, where the eclipse will last the longest, according to calculations by NASA, is already becoming scarce.
In a parliamentary resolution signed by 17 MPs from all parties, it is noted that the eclipse will pass over 24 municipalities in the country, including the most populous areas, where approximately 290,000 people live.
Lessons learned
Under ideal conditions, the sky will be clear across western Iceland, allowing people to enjoy the eclipse wherever they are. However, there is also the possibility that visibility will be limited to specific regions, possibly in remote areas.
“If that scenario occurs, large crowds may gather at one or several particular locations, including areas with no infrastructure to accommodate the influx of people, provide essential services such as toilets and refreshments, or ensure safety. Lessons can be drawn from the anniversary celebrations at Þingvellir for the Republic’s 50th anniversary,” the resolution states.
The proposal suggests that Parliament instruct the Minister of Justice to establish a task force, led by the National Commissioner of the Icelandic Police, to assess possible scenarios and plan for the eclipse event.
In March 2015, hundreds of people gathered at the Blue Lagoon to witness a solar eclipse.
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