The 'Eclipse of the Century' to Cross Saudi and Egyptian Skies in August 2027: First Total Darkness Over the Kingdom in 75 Years
The world awaits a total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, one of the longest of the 21st century, with a peak of 6 minutes and 23 seconds over Egypt, crossing Saudi Arabia.
Astronomers and skywatchers worldwide are eagerly anticipating a total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, which is classified as one of the longest total eclipses of the 21st century, with its peak duration lasting 6 minutes and 23 seconds over Egyptian territory, according to precise astronomical calculations reported by the Spanish edition of National Geographic.
This event holds exceptional significance for Saudi Arabia, as the path of total darkness will pass over its southwest region, marking the first total eclipse the country has witnessed in nearly 75 years, specifically since the 1952 eclipse that turned day into night. Jeddah will experience about 6 minutes of total darkness, and Mecca around 5 minutes, making these some of the longest durations observed regionally, providing observers and specialists with a rare opportunity to study the phenomenon with greater accuracy.
Path of the Eclipse and Key Viewing Areas
The path of the total eclipse begins by crossing the Strait of Gibraltar and parts of the southern Iberian Peninsula, where some Spanish regions will experience nearly 5 minutes of total darkness in a phenomenon that will not recur over Spain until 2053. It then traverses North Africa, reaching Egypt, which will record the longest period of total darkness, before crossing the Red Sea to southwestern Saudi Arabia and then to Yemen and Somalia.
Despite widespread claims describing this eclipse as the longest between the years 2001 and 3000, the magazine clarified that this information is inaccurate; it is classified as one of the longest, but not the longest during that era.
The event is part of a rare astronomical trilogy of total eclipses visible from Spain between 2026 and 2028, yet the 2027 eclipse is expected to offer the most exciting conditions, with its path extending to include Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula.
The Event in Numbers
Date: August 2, 2027
Maximum duration of total eclipse: 6 minutes and 23 seconds over Egypt
Jeddah: about 6 minutes — Mecca: about 5 minutes
Southern Spain: nearly 5 minutes
Last total eclipse over Saudi Arabia: 1952
Next total eclipse over Spain: 2053
Safety Warnings
The relevant authorities in the Kingdom are keen to educate citizens and residents about the necessary precautions when viewing the eclipse, foremost among them being to avoid looking directly at the sun without specialized protective glasses to safeguard eye health. Specialists urge astronomy enthusiasts to prepare early by selecting optimal observation sites to witness one of the most magnificent astronomical spectacles of this century.