THE LONGEST SOLAR ECLIPSE OF THE CENTURY IS COMING: DAY WILL TURN INTO NIGHT, AND IT WON’T RETURN FOR 157 YEARS
For anyone who missed the North American eclipse of 2024, there’s good news: the sky is about to deliver an even more amazing spectacle. On Aug. 2, 2027, the moon will simply vanish—and for those positioned in the right place, daylight will surrender to deep twilight for the longest total solar eclipse of the remaining 21st century.
This isn’t just another eclipse. NASA has confirmed that the maximum duration will stretch to 6 minutes and 23 seconds, making it the longest stretch of totality until 2114 from easily accessible land. By comparison, the 2024 North American eclipse lasted just 4 minutes and 28 seconds at its peak.
The phenomenon counts on two celestial events working in sync: the moon will be at its closest point to Earth (called perigee), appearing large enough to completely cover the sun, while the sun will hang nearly overhead in North Africa. Scientists say these conditions won’t align again for nearly 90 years (aka not in our lifetime).
Where to Actually See It
The path of totality will span a large swath across the globe: from Spain’s southern tip at the Straits of Gibraltar, through Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt, before crossing into Saudi Arabia and Yemen. The track spans 9,400 miles, meaning roughly 89 million people live within its viewing range.
SUPPLIED: Esther Carlstone, Writer, IN HER FULL CAPACITY
