Longest solar eclipse of the century will happen on August 2: Six minutes of darkness in the afternoon; What's really happening?

Economic Times

2 days ago

On August 2, 2027, the skies over parts of southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East will darken as the Moon moves directly in front of the Sun. This total solar eclipse will last up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds in some places, making it the longest visible from land between 1991 and 2114.
This isn't just another eclipse. According to Space.com, 'It may seem like hyperbole, but the total solar eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027, is being dubbed the 'eclipse of the century' for good reason.'
The path of totality — the narrow track where the Sun is completely covered — will cross highly populated areas, increasing visibility and interest.Despite rumours swirling on social media, this event is not taking place in 2025. There is no solar eclipse, total or partial, on August 2 this year.NASA and other observatories have confirmed this. The buzz about a 'six-minute global blackout' on August 2, 2025, is simply misinformation.
'The world will not go dark this August,' writes Space.com. 'If the century's longest total solar eclipse appeals, circle Aug. 2, 2027, on your calendar and book a trip right now.'This eclipse will be unusually long because of the Moon's proximity and the Earth's position. On that day, the Moon will be at perigee — its closest point to Earth — which makes it appear slightly larger in the sky. Meanwhile, Earth will be at aphelion, its farthest point from the Sun, making the Sun appear smaller.This perfect alignment allows the Moon to fully cover the Sun for an extended period. Additionally, the eclipse passes near the equator, where the Moon's shadow moves more slowly across the surface, further increasing the duration.The path of totality will stretch across parts of eleven countries: Southern Spain (including Cádiz and Tarifa)
Gibraltar
Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt
Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman and Somalia Luxor, in Egypt, will enjoy the longest totality at 6 minutes and 23 seconds. Outside this path, many regions — including most of Europe, North Africa and western Asia — will experience a partial eclipse.Parts of India will catch only a partial eclipse. The western and northwestern states — Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa — will witness the Sun partially obscured between 10 to 30 percent.In India, the eclipse will likely occur between 4 PM and 6 PM IST. In some areas, particularly coastal cities like Mumbai and Goa, sunset may limit visibility. Because the Moon will be at perigee and the Earth at aphelion, the apparent sizes of both bodies align to produce a longer total eclipse — 6 minutes and 23 seconds at its peak.Since India lies outside the path of totality, eclipse glasses will be required throughout the event. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Vigyan Prasar and the Planetary Society of India are expected to organise public viewings and live streams.The extended duration makes this eclipse invaluable for scientists. With more time in totality, researchers will be able to: Observe the solar corona in detail
Track solar flares and coronal mass ejections
Use spectroscopy to study the Sun's outer layers
Measure temperature shifts and magnetic fields
Monitor atmospheric and environmental changes on Earth These observations will help calibrate instruments for future missions like NASA's Parker Solar Probe and ESA's Solar Orbiter.In India and other areas experiencing a partial eclipse, it is never safe to look at the Sun without proper eye protection. ISRO-approved or ISO-certified eclipse glasses are a must.Avoid using ordinary sunglasses, mobile phone cameras, or telescopes without certified solar filters.In regions of totality, glasses can only be removed for the brief window when the Sun is completely covered. Once even a sliver of sunlight appears, protection must be worn again.In India, eclipses carry religious and cultural importance. Hindu mythology connects eclipses with Rahu and Ketu — shadowy planets said to 'swallow' the Sun. Temples often close during eclipses, and people fast or bathe in rivers as part of ritual observances.At the same time, increased scientific outreach has helped reshape public understanding. Many now approach eclipses as natural phenomena to be observed safely, rather than feared.A solar eclipse is an astronomical coincidence. The Moon is about 400 times smaller than the Sun, but also about 400 times closer to Earth, making them appear roughly the same size in the sky.When they align perfectly, as they will on August 2, 2027, the result is temporary darkness in daytime. But only if you're standing in the right place.For most of the planet, life will go on as usual. For those in the path of totality, it may be a once-in-a-lifetime sight.