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Longest total solar eclipse of 21st century will last over six minutes: Date, timings, will Surya Grahan be visible in India?
People interested in watching total solar eclipses may soon get a rare opportunity over the next few years. Between 2026 and 2028, Earth will witness three total solar eclipses, but the first two events have already become a major topic of discussion among eclipse enthusiasts.
The first total solar eclipse is expected to take place on August 12, 2026, while the second will occur nearly a year later on August 2, 2027. Both eclipses are expected to offer spectacular views of the Sun’s corona, but scientists believe the 2027 eclipse will be especially extraordinary.
NASA calls it the longest total solar eclipse of the century
According to NASA, the total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, will last up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds at its maximum point, making it the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century.
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During the eclipse, the Moon will completely cover the Sun’s disk, turning daylight into deep twilight for more than six minutes in some regions. NASA says the last time Earth witnessed such a long total solar eclipse was in 1991, and the next similar event is not expected until 2114.
Where will the eclipse be visible?
The path of the eclipse will begin in southern Spain and move across North Africa before reaching the Middle East. Countries such as Tunisia and Egypt are expected to witness some of the best views of the eclipse.
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One of the main viewing locations will be Luxor in Egypt, where the eclipse is expected to last around 6 minutes and 19 seconds. The presence of famous historical sites like Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings is expected to make the event even more special for visitors and astronomers.
Why will the eclipse last so long?
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking sunlight from reaching Earth.
The duration of a total solar eclipse depends largely on the Moon’s distance from Earth. The closer the Moon is to Earth, the larger it appears in the sky and the longer it can completely cover the Sun.
On August 2, 2027, the Moon will be near its perigee, the point in its orbit where it is closest to Earth. Because of this, it will appear large enough to block the Sun for an unusually long time.
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Scientists also explained that the eclipse’s point of maximum duration will occur in a region where the Sun will appear almost directly overhead, adding a few extra seconds to the total period of darkness.
First published on: May 29, 2026 07:56 AM IST
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