August 2 Solar Eclipse to Bring 6 Minutes of Darkness – A Once-in-a-Century Event
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A rare and spectacular total solar eclipse is set to take place on August 2, 2027. What makes this eclipse special is its extraordinary length—6 minutes and 23 seconds of total darkness, making it the longest land-visible eclipse from 1991 to 2114.
This cosmic event is happening due to a rare combination of three factors:
- The Earth will be farthest from the Sun (aphelion), making the Sun appear slightly smaller.
- The Moon will be closest to the Earth (perigee), appearing larger and covering the Sun more completely.
- The eclipse path crosses near the equator, where the Moon’s shadow moves slower across the surface, increasing the duration of totality.
Where will it be visible?
The eclipse path begins over the Atlantic Ocean, then passes through:
- Southern Spain (including cities like Cádiz and Málaga),
- North African nations like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt,
- and continues across Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia.
In Luxor, Egypt, viewers will experience more than 6 minutes of complete darkness.
Will it be visible in India?
Unfortunately, India will not witness the total eclipse. Some western parts of India may experience a partial eclipse near sunset, but most regions won’t see it at all.
Why is it historic?
This eclipse is being called a “once-in-a-century” event. The next similar eclipse will occur in 2046, but not as long-lasting. Skywatchers, scientists, and tourists are already preparing to travel to the best viewing spots.
If you want to see it live, consider visiting southern Europe or North Africa—or tune in online to watch this spectacular dance of the cosmos unfold.
