Total Solar Eclipse — August 2, 2027
On August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible from North Africa (Egypt), Middle East. Longest totality of the century: 6 minutes 23 seconds. Here is what will happen, who can see it, and how to watch it.
- Date
- Type
- Total Solar Eclipse
- Visible from
- North Africa (Egypt), Middle East
August 2, 2027 is the date eclipse chasers have circled for years: a total solar eclipse with up to 6 minutes 23 seconds of totality — the longest of the entire 21st century. The Moon’s shadow will sweep across North Africa and the Middle East, with Egypt near the centerline.
Why so long? A near-perfect coincidence: the Moon will be close to perigee (appearing large), Earth near aphelion (the Sun appearing small), and the shadow will strike near the equator where Earth’s surface curves away most slowly beneath it. Every factor stretches totality to its limit.
Six-plus minutes of totality is transformative. The corona — normally visible for two or three minutes at most — can be studied at leisure. The sky darkens profoundly, the horizon glows with a 360-degree sunset, and the air cools noticeably. For scientists and travelers alike, this is the eclipse of a lifetime.
Egypt’s ancient monuments under a blackened Sun will make this one of the most photographed eclipses in history. If you go, book early: hotels along the centerline will fill years in advance, and August heat in the region demands serious planning for water, shade, and stamina.
Frequently asked questions
Will the 2027-08-02 eclipse be visible where I live?
This eclipse is visible from North Africa (Egypt), Middle East. If your location is outside that zone, you will not see even the partial phases — consider following a live stream instead of traveling blind.
Do I need eclipse glasses?
Yes — for every moment except the brief window of totality (total eclipses only). Annular and partial solar eclipses are never safe to view with the naked eye. Use certified eclipse glasses or a proper solar filter on optics.
What time does the eclipse happen?
Eclipse times are quoted in Universal Time and convert differently for every time zone. Use our time zone converter on the day to translate the maximum-eclipse instant into your local time.