Century's Longest Solar Eclipse Set to Occur in 2027: Darkness Will Fall Over 10 Countries, Know If It'll Be Visible in India

In a rare celestial event, the Earth will witness the longest total solar eclipse of the century on August 2, 2027, plunging parts of the world into brief darkness during daytime. Scientists across the globe are calling this an extraordinary astronomical occurrence, with the eclipse expected to last for an unprecedented 6 minutes and 23 seconds—far longer than most total solar eclipses.

What Is a Total Solar Eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon moves directly between the Earth and the Sun, completely blocking sunlight and casting a shadow on Earth. This cosmic alignment can happen only on a new moon day and when the Moon's orbit lines up precisely with Earth and the Sun.

There are three types of solar eclipses:

• Total Solar Eclipse: The Moon completely covers the Sun.

• Partial Solar Eclipse: Only a part of the Sun is obscured.

• Annular Solar Eclipse: The Moon appears smaller than the Sun, creating a “ring of fire” around it.

The upcoming 2027 event falls under the first category and promises to be one of the most dramatic total eclipses witnessed in modern times.

What Makes the 2027 Solar Eclipse So Special?

According to a report by British newspaper Metro, the August 2, 2027 eclipse will be the longest total solar eclipse visible from Earth between the years 1991 and 2114. During its peak, the Sun will be entirely hidden, and affected regions will witness a midday darkness akin to night. Scientists suggest this is due to a rare and precise alignment of the Moon's orbit and Earth’s position.

As the eclipse progresses, each country within the path will briefly experience complete darkness, simulating night during daytime. This "shadow wave" of darkness will move west to east as the Moon’s shadow travels across Earth.

Where Will It Be Visible?

The eclipse will be visible across parts of:

• Europe

• North Africa

• The Middle East

Countries expected to experience the full eclipse include:

• Morocco

• Algeria

• Tunisia

• Libya

• Egypt

• Sudan

• Saudi Arabia

• Yemen

• Somalia

Unfortunately, India will not witness this solar eclipse, as per current astronomical predictions.

What Experts Say

Dr. Greg Brown, Senior Astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, stated, “This eclipse will last just over six minutes, which is unusually long for such an event.” Typically, total solar eclipses last between 2 to 4 minutes, making the 2027 eclipse a rare spectacle for scientists and skywatchers alike.

Brown further explained that subtle variations in the Earth-Moon-Sun distance cause differences in eclipse duration. During this eclipse, the Moon will be at the perfect distance to fully cover the Sun, and the alignment will allow for a longer viewing time.

A Reminder of Nature’s Grandeur

Events like the 2027 total solar eclipse remind us of the intricate mechanics of our solar system and the sheer beauty of celestial alignments. While the phenomenon will not be visible in India, those in the path of totality are in for a once-in-a-lifetime cosmic experience.

For skywatchers, astronomers, and photographers, it’s an event that must not be missed. The next opportunity of similar scale may not come for nearly a century again.