logo
Solar Eclipse on August 2: Why world will be under darkness for over 6 minutes in a rare 100-year phenomenon; is it visible in India?

Solar Eclipse on August 2: Why world will be under darkness for over 6 minutes in a rare 100-year phenomenon; is it visible in India?

Time of India4 days ago
On August 2, 2027, the world will witness a historic
total solar eclipse
, one of the longest of the 21st century. Spanning over Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, the eclipse will bring 6 minutes and 23 seconds of total darkness in specific regions, allowing a rare and extended view of the Sun's corona. Unlike most solar eclipses that last under three minutes, this event is scientifically and visually remarkable. While it will not be fully visible in many parts of Asia and the Americas, its impact and visibility extend in varying degrees including parts of western India.
Solar Eclipse August 2: World to go dark for over 6 minutes; here's why
This rare celestial event occurs due to a perfect alignment: the Moon will be at its closest point to Earth (perigee), making it appear larger, while Earth will be near its farthest point from the Sun (aphelion), making the Sun appear slightly smaller. As a result, the Moon will fully cover the Sun for an extended duration. The eclipse's path near the equator also causes the Moon's shadow to move more slowly, further increasing the total time.
This eclipse is unique because of its extraordinary duration and geographical alignment. The path of totality — the narrow strip where the Moon completely blocks the Sun — will cross several high-population areas. According to Space.com, this will be the longest total solar eclipse viewable from land between 1991 and 2114, surpassing most others in both length and clarity of visibility.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
Totality will allow observers to see the solar corona, which is the Sun's outer atmosphere. This faint halo of plasma is typically hidden by the Sun's brightness and is visible only during a full eclipse — making this event highly valuable for solar scientists.
Solar Eclipse 2027: Countries that will witness
Southern Spain (including Cádiz)
North Africa (notably Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, and Egypt)
Saudi Arabia and Yemen
Oman and southern UAE
The city of Luxor, Egypt will be one of the best locations, offering the maximum duration of totality at 6 minutes and 23 seconds.
Will the 2027 Solar Eclipse be visible in India
Yes, parts of western and northwestern India will experience a partial solar eclipse on August 2, 2027. However, the eclipse will not reach totality in any Indian region. Regions likely to see partial eclipse:
Rajasthan
Gujarat
Maharashtra
Goa
The extent of obscuration will be modest in India, ranging from 10% to 30% of the Sun's surface, depending on location and local timing.
Solar Eclipse timing in India
The partial eclipse is expected to occur during late afternoon hours, likely between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM IST, with variation depending on the city. Sunset may interfere with the viewing in some western coastal regions like Mumbai or Goa.
Note
: Since India is not in the path of totality, eclipse glasses will be required for all phases of the eclipse.
Solar Eclipse 2027: Scientific opportunities and research importance
This extended eclipse presents a rare opportunity for researchers to:
Observe solar corona dynamics over a longer period
Study solar flares, magnetic field behavior, and coronal mass ejections (CMEs)
Use spectroscopy to analyze chemical composition and temperature of the corona
Monitor environmental changes, such as shifts in temperature and animal behavior
Calibrate solar observation instruments for future missions (e.g., ESA's Solar Orbiter, NASA's Parker Solar Probe)
The length of totality will allow more detailed data collection than usual, making this eclipse critical for space weather studies and climate modeling.
Solar Eclipse 2027 viewing: Essential safety guidelines
For Total Eclipse regions:
Only remove eclipse glasses during totality when the Sun is fully obscured.
Immediately replace protection as soon as sunlight re-emerges.
For Partial Eclipse regions (including India):
Do not remove eye protection at any time.
ISRO-approved or ISO-certified eclipse glasses
Solar viewers
Avoid using ordinary sunglasses or unfiltered lenses.
Do not look at the eclipse through a phone camera, binoculars, or telescope without certified solar filters.
Equipment suggestions
Solar binoculars with solar filters
Pinhole projectors for indirect viewing
Eclipse apps for real-time tracking and augmented viewing experience
Live stream options provided by NASA and other global observatories
For Indian viewers, organizations like ISRO, Vigyan Prasar, and Planetary Society of India often conduct public outreach events and live broadcasts during eclipses.
Cultural and historical significance of Solar Eclipses in India
Solar eclipses have long held cultural and religious significance in India. In Hindu tradition, eclipses are associated with the myth of Rahu and Ketu, celestial demons who cause the Sun to be swallowed temporarily. Many temples close during the eclipse, and rituals such as fasting and cleansing baths in holy rivers are observed. While such beliefs persist, modern science has helped balance mythological interpretations with astronomical understanding, promoting safe and informed viewing practices.
Solar Eclipse 2027 related FAQs
Why is the August 2, 2027 solar eclipse lasting over 6 minutes?
This rare eclipse lasts longer due to two factors: the Moon will be at its closest point to Earth (perigee), making it appear larger, while Earth will be farthest from the Sun (aphelion), making the Sun appear smaller. This alignment allows the Moon to fully cover the Sun for 6 minutes and 23 seconds.
Which countries will experience total darkness during the eclipse?
The path of totality will pass through southern Spain, North African countries (Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Egypt), and parts of the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman. Luxor, Egypt, will see the longest totality.
Will the eclipse be visible in India?
Yes, but only as a partial solar eclipse in western and northwestern states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. The Sun will be partially obscured (10%–30%), depending on location.
What time will the eclipse be visible in India?
The
partial eclipse in India
is expected between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM IST, but timing will vary by city. Sunset may limit visibility in some western regions.
Is it safe to view the eclipse without protection?
No. In India and other partial eclipse zones, viewers must use ISRO-approved or ISO-certified solar glasses at all times. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe. Total eclipse viewers can only remove glasses briefly during full obscuration.
Also Read |
Solar Eclipse August 2 will bring 6 minutes of total darkness; Check, date, time, and visibility areas for a once-in-100-years phenomenon
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Who is Agastya Goel? Indian-origin teen wins gold in Physics Olympaid; 'did physics in front of the Taj Mahal'
Who is Agastya Goel? Indian-origin teen wins gold in Physics Olympaid; 'did physics in front of the Taj Mahal'

Time of India

time20 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Who is Agastya Goel? Indian-origin teen wins gold in Physics Olympaid; 'did physics in front of the Taj Mahal'

The US Physics Team won five gold medals at the 2025 International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), held from July 17 to 25 at Ecole Polytechnique in Palaiseau, Paris. Competing under the theme 'Physics Beyond Frontiers,' the American delegation stood out among participants from 85 countries as the only team to secure gold across the board. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The 2025 US Physics Team gold medallists are: Agastya Goel Allen Li Joshua Wang Feodor Yevtushenko Brian Zhang The olympiad was organised by the AAPT. The American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT), founded in 1930 and based in College Park, Maryland, is a global organization for physics educators and scientists. It promotes physics education through awards, publications, and programs that support teaching, professional development, and excellence in the field. Who is Agastya Goel? Agastya Goel, an Indian-origin student, sone of Harvard professor Ashish Goel, is a junior at Henry M Gunn High School in Palo Alto, California. Beyond excelling in physics, his interests are broad and eclectic, ranging from tennis, hiking, stargazing, and singing, to playing guitar and piano, as well as listening to podcasts on news, economics, and science. He enjoys frisbee and board games with friends and is actively involved in several school clubs, including the Gunn Board Game Club, Gunn Competitive Programming Club, Gunn Varsity Tennis Team, and Gunn Choir. His achievements include an IOI Gold in 2023, USACO Finalist titles in 2024, 2023, and 2022, participation in MOP 2023, and recognition as a USAPhO Semifinalist with a 2023 Silver and 2022 Honourable Mention. He was also part of PRIMES-USA in 2023 and is a multiple-time Honor Choir Participant. From June 2021 to February 2024, he also worked as a part-time researcher at Euler Circle in Palo Alto. He also knows Hindi and Spanish according to his LinkedIn profile. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Goel's early fascination with physics began during long car rides and hikes with his father. While his first competitive experience came through the USACO competition series, beginning preparation in sixth grade and qualifying for training camp as a freshman, his passion for physics truly flourished this year. He spent 14 days of his winter break immersed in Kevin Zhou's physics handouts, even studying in front of the Taj Mahal. That experience cemented his love for the subject. Reflecting on his journey, Goel says he once thought computer science would be his college path, but after diving into physics, he realised he had discovered another passion.

‘The Biggest Thing I've Ever Made': Alien Earth's Creator Tells Fans At Comic-Con
‘The Biggest Thing I've Ever Made': Alien Earth's Creator Tells Fans At Comic-Con

News18

time21 minutes ago

  • News18

‘The Biggest Thing I've Ever Made': Alien Earth's Creator Tells Fans At Comic-Con

Alien: Earth, created by Noah Hawley, is based on the Alien film franchise. Alien: Earth, the upcoming American sci-fi horror series, just made a huge splash at Comic Con this year. The pilot episode of the show was shown to over 6,500 attendees present at the Hall H panel. The crowd got to watch the full episode before the show's premiere on FX and Hulu on August 12, and it was a ride full of epic moments and creepy surprises. The series, based on the Alien film franchise, was created by Noah Hawley, who is best known for his work in Fargo and Legion. The new show serves as a prequel to the films and is set two years before the events of the 1979 film Alien, directed by Ridley Scott. 'This is by far the biggest thing I've ever made," the showrunner said, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter. He added, 'But I made it like I make everything else: By hand, and love for you." Alien: Earth will centre around Wendy, played by Sydney Chandler. One of a kind hybrid, she has been designed by one of the powerful corporations that run the world. She is a humanoid robot that possesses consciousness similar to that of a human. When a research spaceship owned by another mega-corporation crashes in a city in Southeast Asia, Wendy embarks on a mission to find her brother, CJ 'Hermit", a human soldier, played by Alex Lawther. What she did not know was that a terrifying xenomorph, along with some other new alien creatures, was also hidden inside that ship. The show will also feature Samuel Blenkin, Essie Davis, Adarsh Gourav, Kit Young, David Rysdahl and Babou Ceesay, among others. 'Each hour has to have its horror elements, but it has to be a drama. It has to be a character journey and be thematically rich. You have to worry that I may kill one of these people. I just might," explained the show's creator. The show will explore themes such as immortality, greed, and sibling bonds. Actor Timothy Olyphant, who plays the role of the character who is like a father figure to Wendy, shared that the audience will remember the characters more than the scares by the end of the four episodes of the upcoming show. Sydney Chandler Was Scared When She First Saw Xenomorph On Set The sci-fi horror will also feature plenty of action, including encounters with the xenomorphs. And fans were impressed to learn that the effects will be mostly real and not CGI, as a man in a suit brought the monster to life. 'I almost peed," admitted Sydney when she saw him on the set for the first time. First Published: July 26, 2025, 17:11 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

THIS simple exercise may boost longevity; can add as many as 6 years!
THIS simple exercise may boost longevity; can add as many as 6 years!

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

THIS simple exercise may boost longevity; can add as many as 6 years!

A Copenhagen City Heart Study revealed that regular jogging significantly increases longevity. Men who jogged lived 6.2 years longer, while women gained 5.6 years. Living a whole life without diseases is every human being's dream. Longevity is not just about how many years you live; being healthy is also a crucial part of it. If you want to live longer and healthier, then exercise is non-negotiable. A study has shown that one type of exercise can dramatically increase life expectancy. A 2012 study led by researchers at the Copenhagen City Heart found that this exercise can add over five years to your life. The findings are published in Science Direct . Exercise and life expectancy (Pic courtesy: iStock) The study found that men who jogged regularly live 6.2 years longer, while women may get an additional 5.6 years. "The results of our research allow us to definitively answer the question of whether jogging is good for your health. We can say with certainty that regular jogging increases longevity. The good news is that you don't actually need to do that much to reap the benefits" Schnohr, chief cardiologist of the Copenhagen City Heart Study, said. Debates about the impact of jogging on health first came up in the 1970s when middle-aged men took an interest in the pastime. "After a few men died while out on a run, various newspapers suggested that jogging might be too strenuous for ordinary middle-aged people," Schnohr recalled. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo The long-term study, which began in 1976, reviewed data from over 20,000 men and women aged 20 to 93. For the jogging sub-study, researchers compared mortality rates between 1,116 male joggers and 762 female joggers with non-joggers. The participants were asked to answer questions about the amount of time they spent jogging each week, and to rate their own perceptions of pace (defined as slow, average, and fast). "With participants having such a wide age span, we felt that a subjective scale of intensity was the most appropriate approach," Schnohr, who is based at Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, explained. The first data was collected between 1976 to 1978, the second from 1981 to 1983, the third from 1991 to 1994, and the fourth from 2001 to 2003. The participants were tracked using a unique ID number in the Danish Central Person Register. "These numbers have been key to the success of the study since they've allowed us to trace participants wherever they go," Schnohr added. What did they find There were 10,158 deaths among the non-joggers and 122 deaths among the joggers, in a follow-up period of a maximum of 35 years. The researchers found that the risk of death was reduced by 44% for male joggers and 44% for female joggers. Further data showed that jogging added 6.2 years of life in men and 5.6 years in women. The best outcomes were seen in people who jogged for one to two and a half hours every week, spread over two to three sessions, particularly at a slow or moderate pace. The researchers also noted that the pace really matters. The ideal pace can be achieved by striving to feel a little breathless. "You should aim to feel a little breathless, but not very breathless," he added. Jagdeep Dhankhar Resigns as Vice President on First Day of Parliament's Monsoon Session Jogging also improved oxygen uptake, increased insulin sensitivity, improved lipid profiles (raising HDL and lowering triglycerides), lowered blood pressure, reduced platelet aggregation, increased fibrinolytic activity, improved cardiac function, bone density, immune function, reduced inflammation markers, prevented obesity, and improves psychological function. "The improved psychological wellbeing may be down to the fact that people have more social interactions when they're out jogging," Schnohr said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store