Solar Eclipse 2027: Date, Time, Visibility, Path of Totality And Where to Watch Longest Eclipse of the Century

The world is gearing up for one of the most extraordinary celestial events of the century - the Total Solar Eclipse of August 2, 2027, set to deliver the longest duration of totality on land in the 21st century. Astronomers highlight the significance of this event, noting that a total solar eclipse of comparable length will not occur again until the year 2114, making this a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle for millions across the globe.

Longest Solar Eclipse of 21st Century: Date, Time, When and Where will Be Visible?

The rare extended darkness is the result of several astronomical factors aligning perfectly. During the eclipse, the Moon will be near perigee, its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger in the sky. At the same time, Earth will be near aphelion, its farthest point from the Sun, causing the Sun to appear slightly smaller.

This size difference allows the Moon to cover the Sun more completely and for a longer duration. Additionally, because the eclipse path lies near the equator, the Moon's shadow will move more slowly across Earth's surface, extending the period of totality.

Where the Solar Eclipse Will Be Visible; List of Countries

The 2027 eclipse will begin over the Atlantic Ocean, gradually moving eastward before making landfall near the Strait of Gibraltar. From there, the path of totality will sweep across:

• Southern Spain
• Morocco
• Algeria
• Tunisia
• Libya
• Egypt
• Saudi Arabia
• Yemen

Astronomers note that even regions outside the direct path, including parts of South America such as Brazil, will witness a partial solar eclipse, offering a remarkable skywatching opportunity.

Solar Eclipse Duration 2027: Timings; 6 Minutes and 23 Seconds of Total Darkness

Observers located directly in the path of totality will experience an astonishing 6 minutes and 23 seconds of complete darkness - an extremely rare duration.

About 60-80 minutes before totality, the Moon will begin covering the Sun, forming a delicate crescent of sunlight. Gradually, daylight will dim, temperatures are expected to drop noticeably, and stars will become visible. At full totality, the Sun's ethereal corona will shine as a glowing white ring around the blackened Moon, creating a breathtaking twilight-like scene. As the Moon moves onward, sunlight will reappear dramatically, restoring daylight.

Will the 2027 Solar Eclipse Be Visible in India?

India will not witness the total solar eclipse, as the path of totality does not pass over any part of the country. However, some western regions of India may experience a very slight partial eclipse, depending on atmospheric conditions and proximity to the eclipse path.

Skywatchers in India who wish to experience the full totality will need to travel to places like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, or Spain, where the eclipse will be at its maximum.

Key Details of the 2027 Total Solar Eclipse

• Date: August 2, 2027
• Maximum duration of totality: 6 minutes 23 seconds
• Countries in the path of totality: Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen
• Phenomena to expect: Twilight-like darkness, temperature drop, visible stars, Sun's glowing corona

Experts say that during the eclipse, especially in regions where totality will be longest - such as parts of Egypt and Libya, the scene will be so surreal that it may feel as though "Earth has stopped turning." With such a long stretch of complete darkness in broad daylight, the event is expected to draw millions of tourists, scientists and eclipse chasers.