Surya Grahan 2025 on August 2: This 6-minute Solar Eclipse plunges Earth into darkness, longest of the 21st century
What Makes the August 2 Solar Eclipse So Special?
On 2 August 2025, a partial Solar Eclipse will be visible from certain regions of the globe. But what makes this date particularly intriguing is that it's a prelude to the largest and longest Surya Grahan in the 21st century, set to happen on 2 August 2027.
This 2027 total solar eclipse will last for an astonishing 6 minutes and 23 seconds, turning daylight into complete darkness for a brief time. Such a long eclipse hasn't occurred since 1991. According to Wionews, the longest total solar eclipse in recorded history occurred way back on 15 June 743 BC, lasting a remarkable 7 minutes and 28 seconds. According to experts, the next Surya Garhan of this magnitude will not be witnessed until 16 July 2114.
Surya Grahan 2025: Time and Visibility
Although the much-talked-about longest Surya Grahan is in 2027, the Surya Grahan on 2 August 2025 will still be a notable astronomical event. According to the Time and Date website, the Solar Eclipse in August 2025 will begin at 3:34 PM IST and end at 5:53 PM IST.
However, it will be seen as a partial eclipse in India and will be partially visible in nearly 10 different countries. In Canada, the eclipse will appear very small, and it will not be visible in most parts of North America.
Where Will the 2027 Eclipse Be Visible?
The 2 August 2027 solar eclipse, which is the biggest Surya Grahan of this century, will begin over the Atlantic Ocean and move across:
Southern Spain
North Africa
Saudi Arabia (notably Jeddah and Mecca)
Parts of Yemen
Somalia
This eclipse will provide a mesmerising view to those in its path, as the Moon's shadow completely blocks the Sun, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Why Will the August 2027 Solar Eclipse Last Over 6 Minutes?
A total Solar Eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, fully covering the Sun's disk. The duration of such an eclipse increases when the Moon is closest to Earth (perigee) and the Sun is near the equator, allowing the Moon's shadow to linger longer on Earth.
According to eclipse expert Jean Meeus, the maximum possible length of a total solar eclipse is around 7 minutes and 31 seconds, making the 6-minute-23-second eclipse of 2027 truly exceptional.
Will There Be Sutak for the Surya Grahan 2027?
Yes, the Sutak period—a traditional inauspicious time observed before an eclipse—will be applicable in countries where the Surya Grahan on 2 August 2027 is visible. According to Hindu beliefs, the Sutak Kaal begins 12 hours before the eclipse starts. People in those regions may choose to avoid important religious or auspicious activities during this period.
When Is the Next Solar Eclipse in 2025?
The second and final Solar Eclipse in 2025 will occur on 21 September 2025, during Pitru Paksha Amavasya. This eclipse is expected to start at 11:00 PM IST on 21 September and conclude at 3:24 AM on 22 September.
Although technically visible, the eclipse will not be noticeable across most parts of India, and thus the Sutak period will not be observed.
The upcoming Surya Grahan 2025 on 2 August is a remarkable astronomical event that will build anticipation for the historic total Solar Eclipse of 2027. As experts and stargazers across the world gear up to witness this celestial marvel, it's a perfect opportunity to explore the science, culture, and spiritual significance of solar eclipses.
(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)
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