Topline
On Aug. 2, 2027, the longest total solar eclipse visible from land this century will sweep across southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East. Today marks exactly one year until millions of people experience one of the most anticipated astronomical events of modern times — and the countdown comes just 10 days before mainland Europe’s first total solar eclipse since 1999. A year from today, the moon’s central shadow will race across three continents, turning day briefly into night and revealing the sun’s delicate outer atmosphere – the corona — to the naked eye. With totality lasting up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds, exceptional prospects for clear skies and a path crossing some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes and historic destinations, the event is already being called the “eclipse of the century.
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Why The 2027 Total Solar Eclipse Is So Long
The exceptional duration is the result of a precise combination of celestial mechanics. The moon will be close to perigee, when it’s closest to Earth and thus appears slightly larger than average in Earth’s sky, while Earth will be near aphelion, making the sun appear marginally smaller. The eclipse path also passes close to Earth’s equator, where the surface rotates faster. That allows observers to remain inside the moon’s rapidly moving shadow for longer than they would at higher latitudes.
Most total solar eclipses last only two or three minutes, so more than six minutes of totality will feel unusually generous. During that time, daylight will fade, temperatures may fall, bright planets and stars will appear, and the corona will stretch around the black silhouette of the moon. It’s expected to be a very dark totality. However, while Egypt offers the longest totality and clearest skies, temperatures in August can reach 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 degrees Celsius).
Where Eclipse Chasers Will Go
Luxor will attract much attention, but it is not the only compelling destination. Tangier in Morocco will receive almost five minutes of totality, while parts of Algeria, Tunisia and Libya will experience between five and six minutes beneath generally favorable August skies. Southern Spain will be popular with travelers who prioritize convenience and a high chance of clear skies. Tarifa and Gibraltar will offer more than four minutes of totality, while Cádiz will receive close to three minutes and Málaga just under two.
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The most important rule of any total solar eclipse is to be inside the narrow path of totality rather than merely close to it. A 99% partial eclipse is still a partial eclipse, meaning the sky will not become dark and the solar corona will remain invisible.
Background
Total solar eclipse 2027 forms part of a remarkable sequence of total solar eclipses. On Aug. 12, 2026, totality will cross Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, while another long-duration eclipse will sweep across Australia and New Zealand on July 22, 2028. That makes three total solar eclipses within just 710 days — something that only occurs every 18 years.
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Further reading
ForbesYour Ultimate Travel Guide To The 2026 Total Solar EclipseBy Jamie CarterForbesThe Perseid Meteor Shower Begins Today: When To WatchBy Jamie CarterForbes7 Spectacular Stargazing Events To See This SummerBy Jamie Carter