The total solar eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027, will bring 6 minutes and 23 seconds of totality on land—the longest of the 21st century and the longest anywhere until 2114. Modern Luxor, population 285,000, is set to become a focal point for eclipse chasers on Aug. 2, 2027, drawing vast crowds of global tourists eager to experience the predicted 0% cloud probability and historic length of totality, alongside exploring ancient Egypt’s historic landmarks and temples.
The maximum phase of the eclipse takes place a mere distance of several miles from Thebes, which served as the glorious political and religious heart of ancient Egypt during the Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom eras. Situated on the eastern shore of the great Nile stands Luxor, a bustling city of the living featuring the sprawling religious complexes of Luxor and Karnak. Positioned across the river on the western shore is the necropolis known as the city of the dead, containing the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Valley of the Kings. High interest in the exceptional total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, means reservations will fill up fast, so prospective travelers should secure their bookings immediately.
Path of Totality and Monument Details
Not all of ancient Egypt will experience totality. Located north of the totality corridor near Cairo, Egypt’s premier landmark—the Pyramids at Giza—will witness a 95% partial solar eclipse, whereas Abu Simbel, situated by Lake Nasser south of Aswan, is set to observe a 92% partial solar eclipse. However, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple are both located in the 160-mile (257-kilometer)-wide path of totality where the moon’s umbral shadow will fall.
Karnak Temple on the east bank of Luxor will experience the start of totality at 1:02 p.m. EEST with a duration of 6 minutes, 19 seconds and a historical cloud cover of 0%. Dedicated to the god Amun-Ra, it is a vast temple complex designed by ancient astronomers. Dedicated to the god Amun, Luxor Temple features a 75-foot (23 meters) tall obelisk on the east side of its entrance that will point at the eclipsed sun almost directly overhead on Aug. 2, 2027.
Eclipse Viewers Need Safety Glasses and Heat Preparation
The chances of actually witnessing totality at any of the major temples are probably slim, though almost every eclipse chaser headed to Luxor will want to tour them before or after the eclipse. Certified eclipse glasses are essential during the partial phases, as only during totality, when the sun is completely covered, is it safe to look without them. Visitors should be prepared for extreme August heat, during which temperatures regularly climb over 100 degrees, and check official opening and access arrangements before planning to watch the eclipse at any archaeological site.
For those exploring the wider area, the 1.7-mile Avenue of Sphinxes links the Karnak Temple Complex with Luxor Temple. Visitors can also experience hot-air balloon rides over Luxor’s West Bank, active archaeological excavations, the Valley of the Kings, and the Colossi of Memnon, or sail the Nile on traditional dahabiyas. Access arrangements for eclipse day at the temple complexes have yet to be confirmed, so visitors must keep an eye on official announcements.
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