Solar Eclipse on August 2: Will it be visible in India? Full list of cities
A solar eclipse is one of those marvelous phenomena of nature that make us witness moments that can't be seen on usual sunny days. But there's something hauntingly beautiful about a total solar eclipse, especially the one that turns day into night, casting a deep, otherworldly darkness over the land.
For a few rare minutes, the world pauses as the Moon completely covers the face of the Sun, silencing birds, cooling the air, and making the sky feel like twilight. The Sun's glowing corona seems to be no less than a faint bright ring, and its outer atmosphere becomes visible, forming a halo of light that's invisible under normal conditions.
When does a total solar eclipse happen?
When the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, it casts a shadow on the Sun's surface at an angle such that the Sun looks completely covered by the Moon when seen from the Earth.
This cosmic dance of the celestial bodies leads to a Total Solar eclipse.
When will the eclipse take place?
On August 2, 2027, the world will witness one such outstanding event. But this isn't just any eclipse; it's being called the 'Great North African Eclipse', and it's expected to last nearly six minutes, making it one of the longest solar eclipses in modern times.
Millions of people will be directly under the Moon's shadow, experiencing total darkness in the middle of the day.
For some, this will be their only chance to see such a long-lasting total solar eclipse in their lifetime.
What makes this eclipse so extraordinary?
This eclipse is special because of it's rare cosmic alignment. The Earth will be at aphelion, or its farthest point from the Sun, making the Sun appear slightly smaller in the sky. At the same time, the Moon will be at perigee, its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger. This combination allows the Moon to block the Sun for a longer period than usual.
What cities can witness it?
This eclipse will be over parts of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, plunging several cities into total darkness for nearly six minutes. According to Space.com, this duration makes it the longest solar eclipse visible from land until the year 2114.
The path of totality will begin in the Atlantic Ocean, cross through southern Spain and Gibraltar, then move across North Africa, covering countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt.
From there, it will pass through the Red Sea and enter Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and parts of Somalia. Luxor in Egypt is expected to witness the longest total eclipse duration, over six minutes of complete darkness.
Will the eclipse be visible in India?
Unfortunately, India won't be in the path of totality. However, a partial eclipse will still be visible across most Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata. According to TimeandDate.com, people in India can expect to see the eclipse around 4:30 PM IST, with the partial phase lasting until sunset.
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On August 2, 2027, the world will witness a historic total solar eclipse , one of the longest of the 21st century. Spanning over Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, the eclipse will bring 6 minutes and 23 seconds of total darkness in specific regions, allowing a rare and extended view of the Sun's corona. Unlike most solar eclipses that last under three minutes, this event is scientifically and visually remarkable. While it will not be fully visible in many parts of Asia and the Americas, its impact and visibility extend in varying degrees including parts of western India. Solar Eclipse August 2: World to go dark for over 6 minutes; here's why This rare celestial event occurs due to a perfect alignment: the Moon will be at its closest point to Earth (perigee), making it appear larger, while Earth will be near its farthest point from the Sun (aphelion), making the Sun appear slightly smaller. As a result, the Moon will fully cover the Sun for an extended duration. 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Solar Eclipse 2027 viewing: Essential safety guidelines For Total Eclipse regions: Only remove eclipse glasses during totality when the Sun is fully obscured. Immediately replace protection as soon as sunlight re-emerges. For Partial Eclipse regions (including India): Do not remove eye protection at any time. ISRO-approved or ISO-certified eclipse glasses Solar viewers Avoid using ordinary sunglasses or unfiltered lenses. Do not look at the eclipse through a phone camera, binoculars, or telescope without certified solar filters. Equipment suggestions Solar binoculars with solar filters Pinhole projectors for indirect viewing Eclipse apps for real-time tracking and augmented viewing experience Live stream options provided by NASA and other global observatories For Indian viewers, organizations like ISRO, Vigyan Prasar, and Planetary Society of India often conduct public outreach events and live broadcasts during eclipses. Cultural and historical significance of Solar Eclipses in India Solar eclipses have long held cultural and religious significance in India. In Hindu tradition, eclipses are associated with the myth of Rahu and Ketu, celestial demons who cause the Sun to be swallowed temporarily. Many temples close during the eclipse, and rituals such as fasting and cleansing baths in holy rivers are observed. While such beliefs persist, modern science has helped balance mythological interpretations with astronomical understanding, promoting safe and informed viewing practices. Solar Eclipse 2027 related FAQs Why is the August 2, 2027 solar eclipse lasting over 6 minutes? This rare eclipse lasts longer due to two factors: the Moon will be at its closest point to Earth (perigee), making it appear larger, while Earth will be farthest from the Sun (aphelion), making the Sun appear smaller. This alignment allows the Moon to fully cover the Sun for 6 minutes and 23 seconds. Which countries will experience total darkness during the eclipse? The path of totality will pass through southern Spain, North African countries (Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, Egypt), and parts of the Middle East including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Oman. Luxor, Egypt, will see the longest totality. Will the eclipse be visible in India? Yes, but only as a partial solar eclipse in western and northwestern states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. The Sun will be partially obscured (10%–30%), depending on location. What time will the eclipse be visible in India? The partial eclipse in India is expected between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM IST, but timing will vary by city. Sunset may limit visibility in some western regions. Is it safe to view the eclipse without protection? No. In India and other partial eclipse zones, viewers must use ISRO-approved or ISO-certified solar glasses at all times. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe. Total eclipse viewers can only remove glasses briefly during full obscuration. Also Read | Solar Eclipse August 2 will bring 6 minutes of total darkness; Check, date, time, and visibility areas for a once-in-100-years phenomenon
