Solar eclipse of August 2, 2027

On Monday, August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible from southern Spain, Gibraltar, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. In most of Europe, Iceland included, in Africa and south Asia, a partial eclipse can be witnessed. The path of totality crosses some of the driest and sunniest areas in the world and so the weather outlook is especially favorable in many areas.

Maximum eclipse is near Luxor in Egypt, which also enjoys 6 minutes and 23 seconds of totality. That is the longest duration on land since 1991 and the longest until 2114.

The eclipse is number 38 in Saros 136. The last one occurred on July 22, 2009 with a long duration of 6m 39s over the Pacific (longest duration of the 21st century). Next one after 2027 will be on August 12, 2045. That one crosses the United States from California to Florida, where duration reaches its maximum length of 6 minutes and 6 seconds. After that, the lunar shadow moves south over northeast South America.

Where can the August 2, 2027 eclipse be seen?

The August 2, 2027 path of totality crosses ten countries: Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia. The moon's umbral shadow touches the North Atlantic Ocean at sunrise at 08:25 UT approximately midway between Africa and North America. Totality finishes in the Indian Ocean at sunset at 11:48 UT. The lunar shadow finally makes landfall at 08:48 UT in Morocco and Spain.

How will the August 2, 2027 solar eclipse be in Iceland?

Icelanders will experience a minor partial eclipse on August 2, 2027, with the Moon covering under 7.5% of the Sun's disk at peak. The eclipse starts when the Moon takes a bite out of the sun at around 8:30 AM. Just 30 minutes later, the eclipse reaches its peak as the Moon obscures a small section of the Sun's lower-right (southeastern) edge from our vantage point. Greatest eclipse is in Vík in south Iceland (7.4%). The sun will be at roughly 25-degree altitude in the east-southeast.

Safe solar eclipse glasses are a must when watching the partial eclipse. Safe eclipse glasses can be bought from our webstore. We appreciate your support.

* describes the area covered by the Moon.

After August 2, 2027, the next partial solar eclipse seen from Iceland will be on Wednesday, January 26, 2028. During maximum eclipse, the Moon covers 16% of the sun's disc as seen from Reykjavík, Iceland.

How will the eclipse be in Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco?

In Tangier in Morocco, totality is observed for 4m 51s. In Tarifa in the southernmost part of Spain, totality lasts 4m 28s. Málaga lies near the northern edge of the umbra, yielding a shorter totality of just 1 minute and 52 seconds. In Marbella and Costa del Sol, totality lasts around 3 minutes.

The timings in the table below are local (+2 hrs UT). The sun will be in the east and at around 39 degrees altitude above the horizon.

Total solar eclipse trip to Spain for Icelanders

Iceland at Night in collaboration with Icelandair Vita have organized a solar eclipse trip to southern Spain from July 29 to August 3. More info coming very soon.

How will the eclipse be in Algeria, Tunisia and Libya?

The moon shadow races across Spain and Morocco and reaches Algeria at 08:53 UT. Algiers, the capital of Algeria, lies only 15 km north of the northern limit of the umbra and so people there experience only 99.7% partial eclipse. If you're there, definitely move further south, for example to Tébessa (5m 14s) close to the Tunisian border. Another great option is Timgad (5m 22s), a UNESCO world heritage site . Those who plan on traveling to Tunisia are highly encouraged to visit visitalgeria.dz.

The duration of totality and the sun's altitude increases when it moves further east. At 09:07 UT, the shadow reaches Tunisia. By then, totality lasts more than 5m 30s along the central line. Many eclipse chasers hoping to avoid the heavy crowds and extreme desert heat in Egypt—while still securing a long totality under near-guaranteed clear skies—are choosing Tunisia instead. The city of Sfax is a very favorable spot (5m 41s).

In Tunisia, fans of Star Wars can experience totality in some of the shooting locations in the desert near Sidi Bouhlel canyon, near Tozeur, for 3m 12s and for 4m 10s at Hotel Sidi Idriss in Matmata, best known for being the home of Luke Skywalker. Travelers going to Tunisia should check out discovertunisia.com.

When it comes to likelihood of clear skies, Libya is one of the best places to visit for the 2027 total eclipse. However, due to political unrest, not many eclipse chasers will be going there unfortunately. Tripoli, the capital of Libya, is just outside the southern limit of totality. Benghazi, however, is on the central line and totality can be seen for 6m 09s.

How will the eclipse be in Egypt?

Iceland at Night has partnered with Amber Adventures to offer a guided, hassle-free eclipse tour to Egypt. Reach out for more information.

Egypt is the focal point for the August 2, 2027 total solar eclipse. That's where the eclipse reaches maximum and has the longest possible duration of 6m 23s.

The moon's shadow reaches Egypt at 09:38 UT (12:38 local time). Cairo is 190 km north of the umbra's northern limit and will therefore only experience 94.6% partial eclipse. The path of totality crosses a large portion of the river Nile.

Egypt is a stunning location to experience totality but also comes with some challenges. Not only has the price of accommodation skyrocketed, but there is also uncertainty of being able to bring telescopes and other equipment into the country. Eclipse chasers in Egypt also have to keep in mind large crowds in the most popular areas, such as Luxor, and the scorching heat of the midday sun in the desert where hardly any shelter is to be found.

The total eclipse reaches maximum 58 km southeast of Luxor, which will also be the most popular spot for umbraphiles. There, duration of totality is 6m 21s and the sun is nearly at zenith (82 degrees altitude). Perhaps the only unknown is possible dust from the Sahara.

Amazing historical artifacts are found in and around Luxor: the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes on the east bank of the Nile, the Temple of Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings—unique sites to experience a total solar eclipse.

The timings in the table below are local (+3 hrs UT).

How will the eclipse be in Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia?

From Egypt, the lunar shadow races across a small corner of northeast Sudan, over the Red Sea and into the Arabian peninsula. The sun gets gradually lower and duration of totality shortens. Fewer eclipse chasers will venture to these countries despite the fact the path of totality crosses sunny and historic places.

In Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, totality can be seen for 5m 57s and in Makkah for 5m 07s.

In Sana'a, the capital of Yemen, people can see a totally eclipsed sun for 2m 22s at 13:40 local time, but the city is close to the southern edge of totality.

Somalia is the final country to witness totality for 5m 30s. Unfortunately, due to political unrest and ongoing civil war, people are advised against traveling there.

The moon's umbral shadow leaves Somalia at 11:05 UT (14:05 local time) and moves over the Indian Ocean. At 11:48 UT, totality is over on Earth and the shadow of the moon goes into space.

The timings in the table below are local (+3 hrs UT).

What stars and planets will be visible during the August 2, 2027 eclipse?

During the August 2, 2027 total solar eclipse, three planets will be visible to the unaided eye. Venus shines brightly directly above the sun. Mercury is slightly higher, just below Castor and Pollux in Gemini, the Twins.

Lower, below the sun, observers can see Jupiter next to Regulus, the brightest star of Leo the Lion.

How do I watch the solar eclipse safely?

Safe solar eclipse glasses must be worn during the partial phase of the eclipse—when the Moon is slowly creeping in front of the Sun—and again after totality ends. Only during totality is it possible to remove the glasses and watch with the naked eye.

Wear eclipse glasses only while looking directly at the Sun. There is no need to keep them on for the entire duration of the event; simply remove them when looking around at your surroundings.

Always check your glasses before use. If the film is scratched, punctured, or damaged, do not use them and discard them immediately.

Other important things to have with you:

• Sunscreen (SPF 50 recommended)

• Hat

• Plenty of water and snacks

• First aid kit

Respect the customs and culture in each country, as well as wildlife, nature, and cultural objects. Take all your trash back with you and discard it responsibly. Strive to be an exemplary traveler.

And, of course, enjoy nature's grandest spectacle!

Recommended reading

• Jamie and Gill Carter: Complete Guide to the Total Solar Eclipse 2027

• Fred Espenak: Guide for the Total Solar Eclipse of 2027