Solar Eclipse on August 2, 2027: Longest in a Century — Will It Be Visible in India? Full List of Locations

A rare total solar eclipse is set to occur on August 2, 2027, and it’s making headlines as the longest land-observable eclipse between 1991 and 2114. Lasting up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds, this celestial event will be visible across parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for astronomy lovers.

🌍 Why Is This Solar Eclipse Special?

The duration and rarity of this eclipse are due to a perfect cosmic alignment:

Earth will be at aphelion (farthest from the Sun), making the Sun appear slightly smaller.

The Moon will be at perigee (closest to Earth), appearing larger in the sky.

The eclipse path lies close to the equator, where the Moon’s shadow moves slower across Earth’s surface — extending totality time.

This rare combination allows for a prolonged total eclipse phase unlike any other in over a century.

📍 Path of the Total Solar Eclipse – August 2, 2027

The eclipse will begin over the Atlantic Ocean and travel eastward across several countries. The best viewing locations include:

Southern Spain

Northern Morocco, Algeria & Tunisia

Central Libya & Egypt

Parts of Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen & Somalia

It will exit over the Indian Ocean, near the Chagos Archipelago

Countries like Egypt and Libya, which typically experience clear skies in August, are expected to provide ideal viewing conditions for skywatchers.

🇮🇳 Will the Solar Eclipse Be Visible in India?

Unfortunately, India will not experience the full solar eclipse. The path of totality will remain well west of the Indian subcontinent. However, some western parts of India might witness a partial eclipse near sunset, though visibility is expected to be limited.

As of current astronomical predictions, there are no major Indian cities included in the total eclipse path for August 2, 2027.

🕒 Eclipse Duration: A Record-Breaking Event

According to Space.com, the total phase of this solar eclipse will last up to:

6 minutes and 23 seconds, making it the longest total solar eclipse observable from land between 1991 and 2114.

🌌 How to Watch Safely

If you're planning to travel or witness the eclipse:

Use certified solar viewing glasses or eclipse viewers

Avoid looking directly at the Sun without proper protection

Follow updates from local observatories and weather forecasts for visibility conditions