Despite viral rumors, there is no total solar eclipse happening this weekend. The much-hyped “eclipse of the century” is actually scheduled for August 2, 2027, according to NASA.
This rare astronomical event will bring one of the longest durations of totality in decades, with the sun completely obscured for up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds. For context, the most recent eclipse on April 8, 2024, lasted 4 minutes and 28 seconds, while the 1991 eclipse held a record of 6 minutes and 53 seconds. The 2027 eclipse will be the longest total solar eclipse until the year 2114, reports Space.com.
Where will it be visible?
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The path of totality will pass through parts of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, including:
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Spain
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Morocco
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Algeria
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Tunisia
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Gibraltar
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Libya
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Sudan
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Egypt
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Saudi Arabia
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Yemen
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Somalia
Other regions in these continents will witness a partial solar eclipse.
What about the US?
Unfortunately for U.S. skywatchers, most of the country will miss the total eclipse. Only a very brief partial eclipse will be visible in parts of Maine, between 5:14 and 5:19 a.m. ET, on August 2, 2027, according to Time and Date.
It’s also important to note that this isn’t the next total solar eclipse. Before 2027, another total eclipse is set for August 12, 2026, and will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and Portugal.
