The total solar eclipse of August 2, 2027

On Monday, August 2, 2027 the moon's shadow sweeps from the Atlantic across the Strait of Gibraltar, along the North African coast, down the Nile valley and over Arabia. Inside a band about 250 km wide the sky goes dark for up to 6 minutes 22 seconds — one of the longest totalities over land this century.

The path of totality

Totality begins at sunrise in the Atlantic and ends at sunset in the Indian Ocean. On land, the path crosses, from west to east:

• Southern Spain and Gibraltar — the Costa de la Luz, the Strait and the Costa del Sol, mid-morning. Spain guide
• Northern Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia's coast and Libya — morning to midday. North Africa guide
• Egypt — the Nile valley around Luxor and the southern Red Sea coast, early afternoon, with the longest totality of all. Egypt guide
• Saudi Arabia and Yemen — Jeddah, Mecca, the Asir mountains and Najran, early afternoon. Saudi Arabia guide
• The Horn of Africa coast of Somalia, before the shadow leaves land over the Indian Ocean.

How long does totality last?

Totality gets longer as the shadow moves east, and is longest along the centre line. At the edges of the path it drops to a few seconds.

Partial is not the same as total

Outside the path you see only a partial eclipse. Even at 99% the sky stays bright, it never gets dark, and you must keep eclipse glasses on the whole time. Several big cities sit just outside the path — Seville (98%), Granada, Algiers, Tunis, Tripoli, Cairo, Hurghada and Aswan. From each of them, totality is a drive away; the guides say how far.

Getting it right on the day

• Get inside the path, ideally near the centre line. Use the map to check any spot to the second.
• Have certified eclipse glasses for everyone. See eye safety.
• Plan a backup spot. Coastal fog or cloud can move in; a site 30–60 km inland or along the path gives you options.
• Expect crowds and traffic. Arrive the day before and be in place early.