On August 2, 2027, Earth will witness a total eclipse, but it’s not just another total eclipse. This astronomical phenomenon that will never happen again in more than a century because it will last more than 6 minutes in some places. I know what you are thinking: is this the longest eclipse ever? Well, maybe not ever, but it will in the 21st century. So, let’s learn more about how and where you can experience this once-in-a-lifetime event, shall we?
A special eclipse
This eclipse will be extraordinaire because of a rare alignment of astronomical factors:
- The Moon will be very close to Earth, making it appear larger in the sky.
- The Moon’s shadow will pass over regions near the equator, allowing totality to last longer than usual.
- The Earth will be near its farthest point from the Sun, making the Sun appear slightly smaller.
This combination of factors is extremely rare and this is what will make the eclipse last more than 6 minutes in some places, when total eclipses normally barely last two or three minutes. According to astronomers’ calculations, a similar eclipse won’t happen again in more than a hundred years! So, it is even more special.
The event has already been confirmed by NASA, which has caught the attention of many scientists, astronomers, and people in general who want to plan where to see this eclipse.
Places on Earth to see the total eclipse
The path of totality will be very long, stretching more than 15,000 kilometers. It will start over the Atlantic Ocean and pass through Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. These are the countries where the eclipse will be fully visible, let’s see if you are lucky enough to be there that day:
- Algeria
- Egypt
- Libya
- Morocco
- Sudan
- Saudi Arabia
- Somalia
- Spain
- Tunisia
- Yemen
However, one of the best viewing spots will be Luxor, Egypt, where the eclipse will last especially long and the weather is often clear.
How to watch it safely
It is very important to protect your eyes during the eclipse. Looking directly at the Sun can cause you serious and permanent damages. So, this is what you should do if you decided to go and see this rare astronomical event:
- Use approved solar filters on telescopes or binoculars.
- Always wear special eclipse glasses certified under ISO 12312-2.
- Only during the minutes of totality, and if you are inside the path of totality, is it safe to look at the Sun directly without protection.
What if you can’t travel to the places where the eclipse will be visible? Don’t worry, space agencies and scientific platforms will offer live streams so anyone can watch the eclipse from anywhere in the world.
To sum up
As August 2, 2027 approaches, you have the chance to witness one of the most extraordinary natural events of this century. Imagine standing under a daytime sky that suddenly turns dark, feeling the temperature drop, and seeing the Sun’s glowing corona appear around the Moon. Wow! Just imagining it feels like such an incredible experience.
Remember that events like this do not happen often in a human lifetime, and this one will not repeat for more than a century. When the moment arrives, take it in fully because you will be witnessing history written across the Earth’s sky. So, forget about taking pictures and videos and enjoy the moment, be present, because if you are going to watch it on your phone while recording it, you should watch it from the comfort of your home. Will you have the chance to experience this eclipse?