The countdown has officially started, for the most phenomenal celestial feat of the 21st century. On the 2nd of August, 2027, the world will watch a historic "super eclipse". Called the Eclipse of the Century, the total solar eclipse will plunge a vast corridor throughout North Africa and the Middle East into blackness for an overwhelming six minutes and 23 seconds.
In comparison, almost all total eclipses last between two and three minutes. This event will give more than double that time period, making it the longest total solar eclipse seen from land since 1991, and a record that still remains to be set as late as 2114.
Why Is This Eclipse So Long?
The “six minutes of darkness“ is a consequence of a rare “perfect storm” of three astronomical factors lining up at once:
- Perigee Moon: The Moon will be closest to Earth, so will be shown as larger in an aerial view.
- Aphelion Sun: The Earth will be near its farthest point from the Sun, making the solar disk appear slightly smaller.
- Equatorial Path: The path of totality will pass close to the equator, at which point the fastest direction in which Earth rotates will begin to weaken relative motion in the Moon’s shadow over the ground.
The Path of Totality: Where to Watch
The eclipse will leave a 258 km-wide path across 11 countries. Millions will receive a partial eclipse, but only those within the narrow “Path of Totality” will have the spooky six-minute blackout that awaits them.
Luxor, Egypt (The Perfect Destination). (And as far as I know, Luxor is as top of the line for a place to see this event.) It’s near the point of “Greatest Eclipse,” when totality lasts 6 minutes and 22 seconds.
Why that’s happening:
No or very little chance of clouds and the magnificent setting and the Valley of the Kings and the Karnak Temple.
- Time of Totality: Approx. 1:02 PM local time.
- Jeddah & Mecca, Saudi Arabia: The shadow will spread across the Red Sea into the Arabian Peninsula. Jeddah will be in darkness for over 6 minutes.
- Why at this time: Strong infrastructure and clear desert skies.
- Time of Totality: Approx. 1:22 PM local time.
Southern Spain & Gibraltar
For travelers of Europe, the southern tip of Spain provides the first land-based view.
- Sites: Cadiz, Tarifa, Malaga.
- Totality Duration: 2–4.5 minutes (shorter than Egypt, but easier to access).
- Time of Totality: Approx. 10:45 AM local time.
North Africa (Morocco, Tunisia, Libya)
Cities such as Tangier (Morocco), Sfax (Tunisia), Benghazi (Libya) etc. will all get 4 to 6 minutes of totality. In Tunisia, the Kerkennah Islands are particularly renowned for their duration of more than 5 minutes.
Essential Viewing Safety
Safety is of utmost importance in an eclipse of this scale even.
- Eclipse Glasses: During partial phases, you should wear ISO-certified solar filters.
- During Totality: There might not be enough sunlight to catch it, so only when the sun is fully covered by the Moon can you safely pull off your shields.
- Heat Warning: For travelers to Egypt or Libya, August temperatures can be in excess of 43 °C (110 °F). Plan for hydration and shade.
