Islamabad (TDI): A rare total solar eclipse is expected to occur on August 2, 2027, and will be visible across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The eclipse has been ranked as one of the century’s most important astronomical events due to its very long duration and wide visibility.Â
The importance of this eclipse is largely due to its length. In some places, the period in which the Moon blocks the Sun entirely will last as long as six minutes and 23 seconds. This time is much longer than most total eclipses, which last less than three minutes.
It will be the longest eclipse visible from land since 1991 and until 2114, thus making it a once-in-a-lifetime event for both astronomers and sky enthusiasts.
The eclipse will first appear over the eastern Atlantic Ocean, then pass eastwards over southern Spain, northern Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, central Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia. It will probably end over the Indian Ocean off the Chagos Archipelago.Â
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The path of total area over which the eclipse will be visible will be 258 kilometers long. Cities like Luxor in Egypt will probably witness the longest duration of total blackness, with favorable weather conditions to ensure clear visibility.
Solar eclipses of this length are rare and offer astronomers an opportunity to observe the outer atmosphere of the Sun, which is visible only during the full phase of a total solar eclipse. The phenomenon will potentially bring big numbers of tourists and eclipse enthusiasts to the best locations.
People in or passing through the eclipse path are requested to prepare ahead of time. Appropriate eye protection, including certified eclipse glasses, must be utilized to view the eclipse safely, especially during the partial stages.
The next eclipse of this duration over land will not occur for several decades; hence, the eclipse of August 2027 is an event that is simply indelible.
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