- By Shivangi Sharma
- Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:47 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Astronomy enthusiasts around the world are preparing for a rare celestial spectacle: the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, set to occur on August 2, 2027. Dubbed the Great North African Eclipse, this extraordinary event will last up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds in certain locations, offering a once-in-a-lifetime viewing opportunity.
The 2027 eclipse stands out for its unusually long duration, the longest total solar eclipse on land this century. Experts note that it will be another 113 years before a similar-length eclipse occurs, in 2114. The extended darkness results from a combination of astronomical factors: the Moon will be near perigee, its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger in the sky, while Earth will be at aphelion, its farthest point from the Sun, making the Sun appear slightly smaller. Additionally, the eclipse’s path near the equator slows the Moon’s shadow, prolonging the totality.
Path Across The Globe
The eclipse will begin over the Atlantic Ocean before reaching land near the Strait of Gibraltar. The path of totality will then cross southern Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and continue into the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Approximately 60–80 minutes before totality, the Moon will begin grazing the Sun’s edge, leaving a thin crescent of light visible. Gradually, daylight will fade, temperatures will drop, stars will appear, and the Sun’s corona will glow as a milky ring around the Moon. For observers in the path of totality, this magical darkness will last 6 minutes and 23 seconds, creating an eerie twilight before sunlight returns.
Key Details:
Date: August 2, 2027
Maximum totality: 6 minutes 23 seconds
Path of totality: Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen
Experience: Twilight-like darkness, temperature drop, visible stars, glowing solar corona