On August 2 of 2027, the world will experience a unique and historic solar eclipse. For more than 6 minutes, the sky will be darker when the moon completely covers the Sun. It won’t be any eclipse, it will be one of the longest and most impressive in history. This will be an unforgettable moment for those who have the chance to see it. So, let’s learn more about this solar eclipse, shall we?

What happens during a solar eclipse?

This phenomenon happens when the moon passes in front of the Sun and blocks its light. Normally, these eclipses tend to be short and the total darkness barely lasts 2 or 3 minutes. However, in 2027 something special will happen: the solar eclipse will last 6 minutes and 23 seconds, which is double of what we are used to seeing.

Why will it last so much?

The reason behind this has to do with a rare cosmic coincidence: The Earth will be at aphelion. This is the moment when our planet is farthest from the Sun. As a result, the Sun looks a little smaller in the sky. At the same time, the Moon will be at perigee, which means it will be closer to Earth. Because of this, the Moon appears larger than usual.

So, with an apparently smaller Sun and a bigger Moon, the eclipse will be longer and more complete than usual. What’s more, the Moon’s shadow will go toward the equator, which will make this phenomenon even longer.

Where could you see this solar eclipse?

The route of the shadow will be spectacular: it will start in the Strait of Gibraltar, then move across southern Spain, North Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula, before finally disappearing over the Indian Ocean. Let’s see some specific places:

In Spain, cities like Cádiz and Málaga will experience around 4 minutes of darkness.
In Morocco, places like Tangier and Tetuan will be completely dark.
The peak will be experienced in Luxor, Egypt, with more than 6 minutes of eclipse.

Observing the eclipse in a safe way

Looking at the Sun without protection can damage our sight, even during the eclipse. So, to enjoy the solar eclipse without any risk, it’s recommended to use ISO 12312-2 certified solar glasses, specially designed for these types of events.

Also, as it will happen in August, the temperature will be high, mostly in places like Egypt and the north of Africa. So, the key things to live this experience in a safe way is to take water, protection against the heat, and essential things to be comfortable.

Why is this solar eclipse historic?

The 2027 solar eclipse is not another event, it will be the longest ever recorded in modern times. While most eclipses barely last a few minutes, this will go for more than 6 minutes. And do you know the most important thing? Such a long eclipse won’t happen again until 2114, which makes it a unique opportunity in life for those who can experience it.

Connecting with nature and the universe

During the solar eclipse, the day will become night, and for a few minutes you could see the stars and the planets in the middle of the day. It will be as if the world stops reminding us how incredible the universe is.

For those lucky people who will be able to see this solar eclipse, it will be a milestone: a moment of connection between nature and the cosmos that will be difficult to repeat in another generation. So, would you like to be one of the people who experience this solar eclipse?