Kathmandu: The world is set to witness the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century on August 2, 2027, astronomers have said. During the event, the Moon will completely cover the Sun, plunging parts of the Earth into darkness for up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds.
Scientists say the eclipse will cause a temporary drop in temperature, allow some stars and planets to become visible during daylight, and provide a rare opportunity to observe the Sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, with the naked eye during the brief period of totality. The event is considered one of the most significant astronomical phenomena of this century.
The path of totality will begin over the Atlantic Ocean and pass through southern Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia.
The longest duration of totality is expected near Luxor, Egypt, where the Sun will be completely obscured for approximately 6 minutes and 23 seconds, making it the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century.
Astronomers explain that the unusually long duration is due to a rare combination of celestial conditions. At the time of the eclipse, the Moon will be relatively close to Earth, making it appear larger than usual and enabling it to cover the Sun for a longer period. Meanwhile, Earth will be near aphelion—its farthest point from the Sun—causing the Sun to appear slightly smaller in the sky. Together, these factors will produce an exceptionally long total eclipse.
The total solar eclipse will not be visible from Nepal. However, millions of people across Europe, Africa, and western Asia will be able to witness the event either as a total or partial eclipse.
It is estimated that more than four billion people worldwide will have the opportunity to observe the eclipse, either directly along its path or as a partial eclipse from surrounding regions.
During the few minutes of totality, daylight will fade to twilight-like darkness, temperatures are expected to drop slightly, and several bright stars and planets may become visible.
The eclipse will also offer a rare chance to observe the Sun’s corona without special equipment during totality. In addition, observers may witness the spectacular Baily’s Beads and Diamond Ring effects, which occur when sunlight shines through valleys along the Moon’s rugged surface just before and after totality.
Experts warn that looking directly at the Sun outside the brief period of totality can cause serious and permanent eye damage. They strongly advise using only internationally certified solar viewing glasses to observe the eclipse, noting that ordinary sunglasses do not provide adequate protection.
Because of its exceptionally long duration, its path across regions with generally clear skies, and the opportunity to observe it from historically significant locations, the eclipse is regarded as a landmark event for astronomy. Scientists see it as a valuable opportunity for solar research, while tourism officials expect destinations from Spain to Egypt to attract large numbers of eclipse enthusiasts. For many people, it is expected to be the longest and most memorable total solar eclipse they will ever experience.
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