Longest Total Solar Eclipse of the 21st Century Set for August 2 2027

On August 2 2027 a total solar eclipse will darken the sky for more than six minutes, making it the longest total eclipse of the 21st century and the longest between 1991 and 2114. The Moon will be at perigee, creating an unusually wide shadow that will pass over ten countries: Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt (with the greatest duration of 6 minutes 22 seconds in Luxor), Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia. Areas across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and parts of North America will see a partial eclipse.

Astronomers expect millions of observers to travel to optimal viewing locations such as Luxor in Egypt and the Alava province in Spain. The event will allow rare observations of phenomena like Baily's beads and the “diamond ring” effect. Safe viewing requires certified solar‑filter glasses or telescopes equipped with proper solar filters, as direct observation can cause permanent eye damage.