A rare total solar eclipse slated for August 2, 2027, will plunge parts of North Africa and the Middle East into darkness for more than six minutes, according to astronomical calculations. The celestial event will feature one of the longest totality durations of the 21st century, drawing researchers and skywatchers across a path stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean.
The Path and Timing of the August 2027 Eclipse
The total solar eclipse occurs on Saturday, August 2, 2027, happening because the Moon will sit at its closest point to Earth while its shadow tracks near the equator. The phenomenon begins over the Atlantic Ocean, crosses the Strait of Gibraltar and southern Spain, and enters North Africa, moving through Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. From there, the path continues across Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia before ending in the Indian Ocean.
Spanning roughly 170 miles, or 270 kilometers, in width, the path crosses densely populated regions and major cities. In Saudi Arabia, totality will pass directly over Jeddah and Makkah. Meanwhile, southern Italy and the island of Lampedusa will experience a partial eclipse.
Duration and Prime Viewing Locations
While typical total solar eclipses last no more than three minutes, peak viewing areas in 2027 will experience darkness exceeding six consecutive minutes. Luxor, Egypt, serves as a primary viewing location where totality will last for more than six minutes, offering an exceptional window for scientific observation and photography. Other notable cities along the path include Cádiz and Málaga in Spain, which will see four to five minutes of totality, and Benghazi, Libya, which faces nearly five minutes of deep darkness.
Arab and international astronomical observatories plan to issue detailed maps, optimal viewing coordinates, and safety guidelines regarding specialized solar glasses. Because the eclipse duration is exceptionally long by modern standards, researchers anticipate widespread international mobilization to capture data on the solar corona during the extended period of totality.
Details of the August 2027 total solar eclipse
When will the next long total solar eclipse occur?
The rare total solar eclipse is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2027.
Which countries are in the path of totality?
The path crosses the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somalia, and the Indian Ocean.
How long will the darkness last at its peak?
At peak locations such as Luxor, Egypt, the total eclipse will last for more than six full minutes, making it one of the longest of the century.