Astronomer Peter Linde at Lund University saw Wednesday's total solar eclipse on site in Spain.
It lasted 100 seconds and was amazing, he says.
Two years ago, he saw a total solar eclipse in Mexico. It lasted a full four minutes.
Totality varies in different countries. Theoretically, a total solar eclipse can last for seven and a half minutes, says Peter Linde.
Wednesday's solar eclipse in Sweden was partial. Just over 80 percent of the sun was obscured.
Partial solar eclipses that can be seen in several countries are not very uncommon, they occur about every three years.
Twice a year
Most years there are two solar eclipses that can be seen in a limited area. The maximum number of solar eclipses in a single year is five, but this is rare and they are not total.
As early as next year, you can see another total solar eclipse in our vicinity.
On August 2, 2027, it can be seen in Egypt, Algeria and Morocco in North Africa. There, it will last for about three to four minutes.
To the east, the eclipse is longer. If you are near Luxor in Egypt, you can enjoy the darkness for a full 6 minutes and 22 seconds.
Forms a straight line
It will also be seen in southern Spain, including in Cádiz and Málaga.
In Sweden, next year's solar eclipse will be smaller than yesterday's, with about 20 percent of the sun being covered. If you want to see a total solar eclipse near you, you'll have to be patient.
A total solar eclipse will not occur anywhere in Sweden until 2126. The last time it happened was in 1954, says Peter Linde.
Total solar eclipses occur on average 66 times in 100 years. They can only occur at new moon when the moon moves between the Earth and the sun and the celestial bodies form a straight line.
Solar eclipses occur relatively frequently. These are the closest solar eclipses:
Partial solar eclipses in Sweden in the future:
August 2, 2027
June 12, 2029
June 1, 2030
Total solar eclipses around the world:
August 2, 2027 – Including Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, southern Spain.
July 22, 2028 – Australia and New Zealand.
November 25, 2030 – South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia and Australia.
The next total solar eclipse in Sweden will occur in 2126.
Sources: ESA, timeanddate.com, Swedish Space Agency
