The longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century is 1,000 days away, and yet it is already generating excitement among those who love to encounter such cosmic events. The last total solar eclipse occurred on April 8, 2024, crossing Mexico, the United States, and Canada. That one created buzz for months because the totality was supposed to last for several minutes.
People who gathered to witness the wonderful event were not disappointed as the totality peaked at four minutes and 28 seconds.
The second total solar eclipse that is 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 and 23 seconds. It is supposed to take place on August 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 into the record books.
Seeing it would also not be a problem as the weather gods are expected to be kind. Reports indicate that there would be no clouds over the 15,227 km path of the eclipse. This includes the southern tip of Spain, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
But a dust storm and extreme heat are likely to be 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 trip to Africa to click the historic pictures.
The path of the 2027 total solar eclipse
The path of totality of the eclipse is about 275 km wide. It will start in the Atlantic and land around the Strait of Gibraltar. Southern Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco will witness the 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 the 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, prepare for the next total solar eclipse that will occur on August 12, 2026. It will cover Greenland, Iceland and Spain and totality will last for a period of no more than two minutes and 18 seconds.
Longest total solar eclipse
The longest total solar eclipse, according to record books, occurred on June 15, 743 BC. It lasted 7 minutes and 28 seconds. However, the longest predicted to happen in the future is expected to occur on July 16, 2186. It will last for 7 minutes and 29 seconds.
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