On August 2, 2027, the world will witness a rare celestial event—a total solar eclipse that occurs only once every hundred years. During this phenomenon, the moon will completely block the sun, casting large portions of Earth into temporary darkness during the day.
The most dramatic part of this eclipse is called “totality,” when the moon entirely covers the sun. In this event, totality will last an impressive six minutes and 23 seconds, making it the longest solar eclipse since the one in 1991, according to Space.
This particular eclipse is being called the “Great North African Eclipse” because it will be best visible from North Africa. The optimal viewing location will be Luxor, Egypt, where the longest totality duration can be experienced. Luxor promises one of the most breathtaking views of this rare astronomical event.
Even if you’re not in Egypt, other regions will also offer great views. Much of North Africa and parts of Southern Europe—including Gibraltar—will be within the path of totality. While the eclipse duration will be shorter in Gibraltar, it remains a unique place to witness the first landfall of the eclipse’s shadow.
In Europe, some of the best places to experience this total eclipse are Southern Spain, particularly Tarifa and Cadiz, where viewers can enjoy up to 4 minutes and 39 seconds of total darkness, weather permitting.
What makes this eclipse especially rare is a unique alignment between the Earth, Moon, and Sun that allows for an extended period of totality. After this 2027 event, the next comparable total solar eclipse isn’t expected until 2114. For many, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience—making it all the more important to plan ahead and catch the spectacle.
