Is this 2027 celestial event going to be the eclipse of the century?
A historic total solar eclipse is happening in 2027. Will you see it?
A historic celestial event is set to take place in less than two years, blanketing parts of the world in semi-darkness temporarily as the moon passes between the Earth and the sun and casts a shadow on Earth. A total solar eclipse is expected to occur Aug. 2, 2027, and according to NASA, it could last up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds, making it one of the longest in recent memory.
While the upcoming solar eclipse will not be the longest of all time, it is the longest in decades. Comparatively, the solar eclipse of 1991 lasted 6 minutes and 53 seconds, while the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, lasted 4 minutes and 28 seconds at its peak. The Aug. 2, 2027 eclipse is set to be the longest eclipse totality until 2114, according to Space.com.
The eclipse will mainly be visible in parts of Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Unfortunately for American skywatchers, the vast majority of the U.S. won’t have a view of it due to the path of the eclipse. For other countries also missing out on the view, there might be a chance next year to see the celestial event. The next solar eclipse, slated for Aug. 12, 2026, will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and parts of Portugal, according to NASA.
As we creep closer to the end of the year, here’s what to know about the historic upcoming Aug. 2, 2027, solar eclipse.
Where will the Aug. 2, 2027, solar eclipse be visible?
The solar eclipse’s path of totality will cross over parts of Africa, Europe and the Middle East, according to National Eclipse and NASA. Parts of the following countries are within the expected path of totality:
- Spain
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Gibraltar
- Libya
- Sudan
- Egypt
- Saudi Arabia
- Yemen
- Somalia
Other countries in Africa, Europe and the Middle East are also expected to have a partial view of the eclipse come Aug. 2.
Will the solar eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027 be visible in the U.S.?
Celestial enthusiasts would have to travel to the northern part of the U.S. to see part of the historic solar eclipse. A partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Maine between 5:14 and 5:19 a.m. ET on Aug. 2, 2027, according to Time and Date.
