On Aug. 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible across the Atlantic Ocean, Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely covers the sun’s disk. The path of totality will be up to 160 miles (258 kilometers) wide, crossing Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somalia, and the Chagos Islands.
The August 2027 eclipse, dubbed the “eclipse of the century,” will bring the longest totality since 2009 and the longest totality on land since 1991. Peaking at 6 minutes and 23 seconds, it will be the longest remaining totality of the 21st century until Aug. 12, 2045, when there will be 6 minutes and 6 seconds of totality near Florida.
Here are 16 prime locations to witness this rare celestial event:
1. Castillo de Luna
Location: Rota, Andalucía, Spain
Time and duration of totality: 10:45 CEST; 2 minutes, 11 seconds
Chance of clouds: 15%
Castillo de Luna, a 13th-century castle near a sandy beach, offers a short but picturesque totality experience.
2. Cádiz
Location: Andalucía, Spain
Time and duration of totality: 10:45 CEST; 2 minutes, 46 seconds
Chance of clouds: 13%
The oldest city in Western Europe, Cádiz features numerous watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira.
3. Baelo Claudia
Location: Near Tarifa, Andalucía, Spain
Time and duration of totality: 10:44 CEST; 4 minutes, 31 seconds
Chance of clouds: 14%
Baelo Claudia offers a scenic combination of beachside Roman ruins and views across the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco.
4. Isla de las Palomas
Location: Tarifa, Andalucía, Spain
Time and duration of totality: 10:44 CEST; 4 minutes, 39 seconds
Chance of clouds: 14%
Isla de las Palomas provides the longest totality in Spain and is a popular spot for wind sports with views of Morocco.
5. Gibraltar
Location: Iberian Peninsula/Andalucía, Spain
Time and duration of totality: 10:45 CEST; 4 minutes, 26 seconds
Chance of clouds: 16%
Gibraltar, known as “The Rock,” offers accessibility but be wary of its unique cloud formations that can obscure the view.
6. Tangier
Location: Morocco
Time and duration of totality: 09:44 WEST; 4 minutes, 49 seconds
Chance of clouds: 42%
Tangier, with its rich medina and proximity to the centerline, provides a historic backdrop for the eclipse.
7. Martil Beach
Location: Morocco
Time and duration of totality: 09:45 WEST; 4 minutes, 52 seconds
Chance of clouds: 38%
This Mediterranean beach near Tetouan offers ample viewing space for the eclipse.
8. Fort Santa Cruz
Location: Oran, Algeria
Time and duration of totality: 09:50 CET; 5 minutes, 7 seconds
Chance of clouds: 47%
The Ottoman citadel of Fort Santa Cruz provides panoramic views over Oran and the sea.
9. Kerkennah Islands
Location: Tunisia
Time and duration of totality: 10:09 CET; 5 minutes, 43 seconds
Chance of clouds: 21%
The Kerkennah Islands offer historical ruins and scenic vistas for eclipse viewers.
10. Siwa Oasis
Location: Egypt
Time and duration of totality: 12:42 EEST; 5 minutes, 30 seconds
Chance of clouds: Less than 1%
The Siwa Oasis, with its 13th-century Fortress of Shali, promises a unique desert eclipse experience.
11. Sohag
Location: Egypt
Time and duration of totality: 12:58 EEST; 6 minutes, 20 seconds
Chance of clouds: Less than 1%
Sohag, home to the Red and White Monasteries, offers an alternative to Luxor with equally long totality.
12. Luxor
Location: Egypt
Time and duration of totality: 13:01 EEST; 6 minutes, 20 seconds
Chance of clouds: Less than 1%
Luxor, with its extensive ancient ruins, is expected to be the main hub for eclipse enthusiasts.
13. Temple of Horus
Location: Edfu, Egypt
Time and duration of totality: 13:04 EEST; 5 minutes, 31 seconds
Chance of clouds: Less than 1%
Edfu’s well-preserved Temple of Horus is a prime spot for viewing the eclipse.
14. Kom Ombo Temple
Location: Kom Ombo, Egypt
Time and duration of totality: 13:05 EEST; 3 minutes, 39 seconds
Chance of clouds: Less than 1%
The unique double temple of Kom Ombo offers a historical setting for the eclipse.
15. Red Sea Coast
Location: Berenice Troglodytica, Egypt
Time and duration of totality: 13:10 EEST; 6 minutes, 19 seconds
Chance of clouds: 2%
The Red Sea coast, with its clear waters and ancient port, provides excellent viewing conditions.
16. Jeddah
Location: Saudi Arabia
Time and duration of totality: 13:21 AST; 5 minutes, 58 seconds
Chance of clouds: 27%
Jeddah’s Al-Rahma Mosque, situated on the Red Sea, offers a picturesque and spiritual setting for eclipse watchers.
Remember to wear solar eclipse glasses for safe viewing during the partial phases of the eclipse. These locations not only offer great views of the eclipse but also provide opportunities to explore rich cultural and historical sites.
You Might Be Interested In:
