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India.com
4 hours ago
- Science
- India.com
Solar Eclipse On August 2: Will You See It In India Or Miss Out On This Once-In-A-Century Spectacle?
On August 2, 2027, a truly extraordinary celestial event will unfold, a total solar eclipse that will darken skies across parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Known as the 'Great North African Eclipse,' this eclipse isn't just rare, it's set to last nearly six full minutes, making it one of the longest total solar eclipses visible from land until 2114. For those lucky enough to be directly under the path of totality, it will be a surreal experience, a complete blackout in the middle of the day, when birds stop chirping, the temperature drops, and the glowing corona of the Sun emerges like a shimmering halo in the sky. But what about India? Will we witness this cosmic drama? What Exactly Is a Total Solar Eclipse? A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, perfectly aligning in such a way that it completely blocks the Sun's disk from view. As the Moon's shadow sweeps across Earth, it creates a temporary twilight during the day. For a few magical minutes, the world is transformed, day turns into night, the Sun disappears, and only its blazing corona remains visible. It's a humbling, almost spiritual experience that has fascinated civilizations for centuries. Why Is This Eclipse Being Called 'Great'? The August 2, 2027, solar eclipse is earning the title 'Great' for a few compelling reasons: 1. Duration: Lasting up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds, this is among the longest eclipses of the 21st century. 2. Visibility: The path of totality covers several historically and culturally rich regions, allowing millions of people to witness it. 3. Cosmic Conditions: The Moon will be at perigee (closest to Earth), and Earth will be at aphelion (farthest from the Sun). This perfect combination makes the Moon appear larger and the Sun smaller, maximizing the eclipse's duration. Path of Totality: Which Cities Will Witness Total Darkness? The eclipse will start in the Atlantic Ocean and move eastward, crossing: 1. Southern Spain and Gibraltar 2. North African countries: Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt 3. Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Yemen 4. Horn of Africa: Parts of Somalia Among these, Luxor in Egypt is expected to experience the longest total eclipse duration, more than 6 minutes of complete midday darkness. Notable Cities in the Path of Totality: ► Marrakech, Morocco ► Algiers, Algeria ► Tunis, Tunisia ► Tripoli, Libya ► Luxor, Egypt ► Mecca, Saudi Arabia Will the Solar Eclipse Be Visible in India? India will not witness the total eclipse, as it lies outside the path of totality. However, the country won't miss out completely. A partial solar eclipse will be visible across many Indian cities, where the Moon will cover a portion of the Sun's surface. Indian Cities Where the Partial Eclipse Will Be Visible: 1. Delhi 2. Mumbai 3. Kolkata 4. Chennai 5. Bengaluru 6. Hyderabad According to reports, the partial phase will begin around 4:30 PM IST and continue until sunset, depending on local conditions. Tip: Always use proper eclipse glasses or indirect viewing methods to safely observe a solar eclipse. How to Safely Watch the Eclipse? Whether you're in India or elsewhere, observing a solar eclipse requires precautions. Looking at the Sun directly, even during a partial eclipse, can cause permanent eye damage. Safe Viewing Options: 1. Eclipse glasses with ISO 12312-2 certification 2. Pinhole projector (DIY-friendly and fun) 3. Welders glass #14 or higher 4. Telescope with solar filter 5. Live streaming from observatories or NASA Should You Travel to Watch It? If you're a skywatcher, photographer, or eclipse enthusiast, August 2, 2027, might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness one of the longest eclipses in modern history. With some advance planning, visiting cities like Luxor or Marrakech could reward you with front-row seats to a spectacle nature rarely offers. For others in India, watch the partial eclipse safely or tune in online to experience the awe virtually, but don't miss this grand celestial ballet! FAQs 1. Will the August 2, 2027 solar eclipse be visible in India? Yes, a partial eclipse will be visible across most Indian cities. 2. What time will the eclipse start in India? It will begin around 4:30 PM IST and continue until sunset. 3. Which countries will witness totality? Countries like Morocco, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and others in North Africa and the Middle East. 4. Why is this eclipse called the 'Great North African Eclipse'? Because totality will be best viewed from North African nations, with Luxor experiencing the longest darkness. 5. How long will the total eclipse last? Nearly six minutes, making it one of the longest in recent history. (This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Solar Eclipse on August 2: Will it be visible in India? Full list of cities
On August 2, 2027, a remarkable solar eclipse, dubbed the "Great North African Eclipse," will occur, lasting nearly six minutes. The path of totality will traverse parts of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, bringing total darkness to cities within Morocco, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. While India won't experience totality, a partial eclipse will be visible. A solar eclipse is one of those marvelous phenomena of nature that make us witness moments that can't be seen on usual sunny days. But there's something hauntingly beautiful about a total solar eclipse, especially the one that turns day into night, casting a deep, otherworldly darkness over the land. For a few rare minutes, the world pauses as the Moon completely covers the face of the Sun, silencing birds, cooling the air, and making the sky feel like twilight. The Sun's glowing corona seems to be no less than a faint bright ring, and its outer atmosphere becomes visible, forming a halo of light that's invisible under normal conditions. When does a total solar eclipse happen? When the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, it casts a shadow on the Sun's surface at an angle such that the Sun looks completely covered by the Moon when seen from the Earth. This cosmic dance of the celestial bodies leads to a Total Solar eclipse. When will the eclipse take place? On August 2, 2027, the world will witness one such outstanding event. But this isn't just any eclipse; it's being called the 'Great North African Eclipse', and it's expected to last nearly six minutes, making it one of the longest solar eclipses in modern times. Millions of people will be directly under the Moon's shadow, experiencing total darkness in the middle of the day. For some, this will be their only chance to see such a long-lasting total solar eclipse in their lifetime. What makes this eclipse so extraordinary? This eclipse is special because of it's rare cosmic alignment. The Earth will be at aphelion, or its farthest point from the Sun, making the Sun appear slightly smaller in the sky. At the same time, the Moon will be at perigee, its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger. This combination allows the Moon to block the Sun for a longer period than usual. What cities can witness it? This eclipse will be over parts of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, plunging several cities into total darkness for nearly six minutes. According to this duration makes it the longest solar eclipse visible from land until the year 2114. The path of totality will begin in the Atlantic Ocean, cross through southern Spain and Gibraltar, then move across North Africa, covering countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. From there, it will pass through the Red Sea and enter Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and parts of Somalia. Luxor in Egypt is expected to witness the longest total eclipse duration, over six minutes of complete darkness. Will the eclipse be visible in India? Unfortunately, India won't be in the path of totality. However, a partial eclipse will still be visible across most Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. According to people in India can expect to see the eclipse around 4:30 PM IST, with the partial phase lasting until sunset.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Economic Times
Six minutes of darkness: Rare August 2027 solar eclipse will be the longest seen from land in over a century
Why will the solar eclipse last so long Live Events The path of the eclipse Southern Spain Northern Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia North-eastern Libya and central Egypt Sudan's north-east South-western Saudi Arabia and Yemen Northern Somalia Will it be visible in India? High chances of clear skies A rare opportunity (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel On the afternoon of 2 August 2027, skies will suddenly darken over southern Europe, North Africa and parts of the Middle East. Not from clouds. Not from storms. But from a rare total solar eclipse that's already being called one of the most remarkable of the its peak, the Moon will completely cover the Sun for 6 minutes and 23 seconds — an unusually long stretch for a total eclipse. Most last under three minutes. This one will linger more than twice as to 'From 1991 to 2114, this will be the longest total solar eclipse visible from land.'That makes it a one-of-a-kind experience for millions living under its eclipse's long duration comes down to a rare alignment between Earth, the Moon and the to Zee News , 'Earth will be at aphelion — that's when it's farthest from the Sun. This makes the Sun look a bit smaller than usual.'At the same time, the Moon will be at perigee, its closest point to Earth, appearing larger in the sky. This combination — a slightly smaller Sun and a slightly larger Moon — means the Moon can block the Sun entirely for longer than there's another factor: geography. The eclipse path lies near the equator, where the Moon's shadow moves more slowly across the Earth's surface. That slow pace gives viewers on the ground even more time in total total eclipse will begin over the Atlantic Ocean and move eastwards through:It will then move past the Chagos Archipelago as it exits over the Indian Ocean. In total, the Moon's shadow will stretch around 258 km wide at its broadest route, which crosses deserts, coastlines and ancient cities, gives millions of people a chance to witness it of now, there is no confirmation that the total eclipse will be visible from path will pass well to the west of the subcontinent. While some areas in India's far west may catch a partial eclipse near sunset, most of the country will likely miss it Indian skywatchers, this means travelling to North Africa or southern Europe might be the only way to experience it matters. And August offers good like Egypt and Libya tend to be dry and clear during that time of year. That improves visibility dramatically, making it an ideal season to watch the event unfold without weather travellers planning to witness the eclipse in person, this is a key detail worth upcoming eclipse has already been dubbed the 'Great North African Eclipse' by space commentators. It's not just notable for its length. It's where it's happening — and how perfectly the conditions give some context, the longest recorded total eclipse in history occurred in 743 BC, lasting 7 minutes and 28 seconds. While the 2027 eclipse won't break that ancient record, it will be the longest in modern memory from solar eclipses that come and go with little fanfare, this one is likely to draw millions. 'Crores of people across multiple continents will witness this rare sight,' noted Zee won't happen again until you're in southern Spain, along the Nile in Egypt, or following the event from afar, this eclipse stands out not just for its science — but for the a reminder of how rare and precise these cosmic alignments really are. One that, for many, may never repeat in their 2 August 2027, the sky will offer something truly extraordinary. Not a light show, but a brief, perfect darkness that connects continents and miss it.
News18
3 days ago
- Science
- News18
Solar Eclipse 2027: Sun Will Disappear For 6 Minutes; Next Such Event Only In 2114
Dubbed the 'Great North African Eclipse', the rare event will be visible across many African nations. Most solar eclipses last under 3 minutes, but this one will last nearly 6 A rare celestial spectacle is set to unfold on August 2, 2027, as a total solar eclipse will darken skies for nearly six minutes, a phenomenon that won't recur for another 100 years. The eclipse, expected to stir awe and restlessness among observers, will be visible across multiple continents, drawing millions eager to witness the sun disappear completely from view. Crores of people across multiple continents will witness this rare sight, which won't occur again until 2114. The solar eclipse will commence from the Atlantic Ocean and journey through the Strait of Gibraltar, Southern Spain, Northern Morocco, Northern Algeria, Northern Tunisia, North Eastern Libya, Egypt, Sudan, South Western Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somalia, and other countries within the Arabian Peninsula. However, as it progresses, it will begin to blur over the Indian Ocean. Historically, the longest total solar eclipse lasted 7 minutes and 28 seconds, occurring in 743 BC. The upcoming eclipse, dubbed the 'Great North African Eclipse', will be visible from many African nations, making it a notable event for the continent. Most solar eclipses are shorter, lasting less than 3 minutes, but this one will cast darkness over parts of the world for a full 6 minutes. Why Will The 2027 Solar Eclipse Last Nearly Six Minutes? The extended duration of this eclipse is due to a rare astronomical alignment involving the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Three key reasons contribute to its length: firstly, the Earth will be at its farthest point from the Sun, known as aphelion, causing the sun to appear smaller from Earth. Secondly, the Moon will be closest to the Earth, making it appear larger. Lastly, the shadow of the Moon will fall on the equator and slowly expand, prolonging the period of darkness. view comments First Published: 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.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Solar Eclipse August 2 will bring 6 minutes of total darkness; Check, date, time, and visibility areas for a once-in-100-years phenomenon
Source: Forbes On August 2, 2027, a remarkable total solar eclipse will darken the skies over parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. For up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds, the Moon will completely obscure the Sun, casting a dramatic shadow over Earth in what is being called the 'Great North African Eclipse.' This event will be the longest total solar eclipse visible from land between 1991 and 2114. With such an extended period of totality and broad visibility, this eclipse will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for millions of people across continents. Clear skies are expected in many parts of North Africa, especially in Libya and Egypt, which are known for dry, sunny weather in August. These favourable conditions enhance the likelihood of an unobstructed view, making the region ideal for eclipse observation and tourism. Solar Eclipse in August 2027: Date and time The total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, August 2, 2027, during the early to mid-afternoon hours, depending on your location. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pensioners With No Life Insurance Could Be Eligible For This British Seniors Undo In Southern Spain, totality is expected to begin around 13:30 to 14:00 local time (CEST). In North Africa, such as Libya and Egypt, the eclipse will peak around 14:00 to 14:30 local time (EET). In Saudi Arabia, the eclipse will reach totality slightly later in the day, around 15:00 local time (AST). Exact timings may vary by a few minutes depending on the observer's precise location along the path of totality. The full eclipse duration, from first contact (partial eclipse begins) to final contact (partial eclipse ends), will last approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with totality lasting up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds in select areas like Luxor, Egypt. What makes the 2027 solar eclipse so special Three rare astronomical conditions will occur simultaneously to produce such a long eclipse: Earth at Aphelion: On August 2, Earth will be at its farthest point from the Sun. This makes the Sun appear slightly smaller in the sky. Moon at Perigee: At the same time, the Moon will be at its closest distance to Earth, making it look larger than usual. Equatorial Shadow Path: The eclipse will travel close to the equator, where the Earth's rotational speed causes the Moon's shadow to move more slowly across the surface. This slower movement prolongs the duration of totality. These combined factors will result in a total solar eclipse lasting over six minutes, significantly longer than most eclipses, which typically range from two to three minutes. Solar Eclipse 2027 visibility The eclipse will begin over the Atlantic Ocean and move eastward across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The path of totality, which is the narrow band where the eclipse will be fully visible, will be approximately 258 to 275 kilometers wide. Europe Southern Spain, including cities such as Cádiz and Málaga, will experience total darkness for over four minutes. The eclipse will make landfall at the Strait of Gibraltar. North Africa Northern Morocco, particularly Tangier and Tetouan, will be directly beneath the central shadow. Parts of Algeria and Tunisia will also be in the path. In Benghazi, Libya, totality will last nearly five minutes. Central Egypt, especially near Luxor, will experience more than six minutes of total darkness. Northeastern Sudan will also fall under the path of totality. Middle East and Horn of Africa The eclipse will pass over southwestern Saudi Arabia, including cities such as Jeddah and Mecca. Portions of Yemen and northeastern Somalia will also witness totality. Indian Ocean The eclipse will exit over the Indian Ocean and continue past the Chagos Archipelago before fading. Regions what will miss the eclipse The 2027 eclipse will not be visible in many parts of the world, including: India and much of South Asia North and South America Most of East Asia and Australia Observers in these regions may not witness any part of the eclipse or will only experience a minor partial eclipse. August Solar Eclipse: Historical and scientific significance The upcoming 2027 eclipse is not the longest in history, but it is the most significant of this century. The longest recorded total solar eclipse occurred on June 15, 743 BC, lasting 7 minutes and 28 seconds. However, the 2027 event will be the longest visible from land between 1991 and 2114. The next similarly long eclipse will not take place until August 23, 2114. This event is significant not only because of its rare duration but also because of its wide visibility across multiple countries. Scientists, astronomers, and casual observers alike will benefit from the opportunity to study the Sun's corona and other solar phenomena during the extended period of totality. For those living near the eclipse path, it is a truly once-in-a-century opportunity. The combination of scientific importance and natural beauty makes this a date worth marking in calendars worldwide. Also Read | How much did ISRO spend to send Shubhanshu Shukla to the ISS on historic 18-day Axiom-4 mission
