Solar eclipse 2025 truth as astronomers set record straight on 'ring of fire' spectacle
For the star gazers and sky watchers among us, the prospect of casting your eyes on a solar eclipse is an incredibly exciting one. Solar eclipses are rare, particularly in the UK, with the last total solar eclipse having taken place in 1999.
Recently, a viral WhatsApp message claimed the UK is set to be plunged into darkness in 2025, with a solar eclipse taking place on August 2. The spectacle is set to "stun" viewers - but experts say it won't be when you think.
Despite the buzz on social media, it turns out the viral claims of an annular eclipse are completely unfounded. Astronomers have debunked rumours of a solar eclipse occurring on August 2, 2025.
The speculation is understandable, because there is anticipation for the total eclipse slated for August 2, 2027. However, The Economic Times reports that no such event will take place in 2025 on the same date.
Official records from NASA and national observatories confirm there will be no solar eclipse on August 2, 2025. Instead, two eclipses are expected this year, neither of which coincide with the rumoured date.
And sadly, UK eclipse enthusiasts have already had their opportunity.
The first was an annular eclipse on February 28, 2025 visible only from parts of the South Pacific Ocean. The second is a partial eclipse on August 23, 2025 visible in regions of Canada, Greenland, and the Arctic.
This means any hopes for a dramatic darkening of the skies on August 2, 2025, are entirely baseless.
What we know about the solar eclipse 2027
So, what's behind the mix-up? Well, 2027's solar eclipse is not your average spectacle. Lasting up to six minutes and 23 seconds, it will be the longest total eclipse visible from land between the years 1991 and 2114.
While most total eclipses last less than three minutes, this one will provide an extended view of the Sun's outer atmosphere - the corona - promising a breathtaking display for everyone along its path.
The uniqueness of this celestial event is all down to impeccable cosmic timing.
Adding a touch of drama, the eclipse's path skims near the equator, slowing the Moon's shadow as it traverses the Earth and resulting in an unusually prolonged period of darkness.
The eclipse's path will stretch across Spain, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia, with many nations predicted to host festivals and viewing parties. The event may also spark a surge in eclipse tourism.
However, for now, astronomy enthusiasts will have to hold their breath until 2027 for that unforgettable spectacle. As for 2025? There's no need to dust off your eclipse glasses - at least not on August 2.
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To console yourself, a total lunar eclipse will be visible over the UK in just a few short weeks, on September 7, but it won't be visible for long. The Moon will turn a deep, dark red during this event that's certainly not one to miss.
With this in mind, we've rounded up everything you need to know about the coming eclipse, including when and how to spot this cosmic phenomenon. Find out more here.
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