The longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century is 1,000 days away, and yet it is already causing excitement among those who love encountering such cosmic events. The last total solar eclipse occurred on April 8, 2024, and crossed Mexico, the United States, and Canada. That one was generating buzz for months because the totality was to last for several minutes.
People who gathered to witness the wondrous event weren’t disappointed as totality peaked at four minutes 28 seconds.
The other total solar eclipse already causing excitement will occur across North Africa and is being called the “Great North African Eclipse”. It will cover nearly 89 million people and will be the longest total solar eclipse.
During the African solar eclipse, the moon will block the sun for six minutes 23 seconds. It is set to take place on Aug 2, 2027.
The length of this total solar eclipse is what makes it special. It will be remembered for years to come and will be etched in record books.
Viewing it would also not be a problem since the weather gods are expected to be kind. Reports suggest that there would be no clouds across the 15,227-km-long path of the eclipse. This includes the southern tip of Spain, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
However, a dust storm and extreme heat are likely to become a problem. The temperature during this time is expected to hover around 42 degrees Celsius.
Astrophotographers are keen to capture the moment in their cameras and several of them will make the journey to Africa to click the historic images.
Path of the total solar eclipse 2027
The path of totality of the eclipse is approximately 275 km wide. It will begin in the Atlantic Ocean and make landfall around the Strait of Gibraltar. Southern Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco will witness totality.
Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt will be next on the path where the eclipse will occur when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. Once it crosses the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia will witness totality.
The eclipsed sun will set southeast in the Indian Ocean.
When is the next total solar eclipse?
Before the “Great North African Eclipse” of 2027, gear up for the next total solar eclipse that will occur on Aug 12, 2026. It will cover Greenland, Iceland, and Spain and totality will last for a maximum period of two minutes and 18 seconds.
Longest total solar eclipse
The longest total solar eclipse, as per record books, happened on June 15, 743 BC. It lasted for 7 minutes and 28 seconds. However, the longest one predicted to happen in the future is expected to occur on July 16, 2186. It will last for 7 minutes and 29 seconds.