Saudi Arabia to host longest total solar eclipse of the century in 2027

Saudi Arabia is set to witness an extraordinary astronomical event: the longest total solar eclipse of the century, scheduled for August 2, 2027. This rare phenomenon is expected to cast a shadow over a significant portion of the country, plunging areas in the west and south into darkness for nearly six minutes.

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The phenomenon is expected to plunge parts of western and southern Saudi Arabia into darkness for almost six minutes, an unusually long period that offers an opportunity for scientists and astronomy enthusiasts to study the sun's corona in more detail.

This extended duration provides an exceptional chance for scientists and astronomy enthusiasts to study the sun's corona in unprecedented detail. Cities like Abha are projected to experience the full eclipse for up to six minutes, while Jeddah and other coastal areas in the west could experience darkness for approximately five minutes and 50 seconds, according to the Saudi Space Agency.

The Saudi Space Agency highlighted that the eclipse's path will position the Kingdom as a prime location globally for observing and documenting this celestial spectacle. Neighboring Egypt is also anticipated to experience a maximum eclipse duration. The agency urged the public to observe the event safely, issuing a stern warning against looking directly at the sun without certified eclipse glasses or appropriate light-filtering equipment.

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The eclipse path will begin on the Red Sea coast before crossing dozens of cities and regions including Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, Al Baha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran.

Majed Abu Zahra, President of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, detailed that the path of totality will commence from the Red Sea coast, traversing numerous cities and regions including Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, Al Baha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, and Najran. During the totality phase, daylight is expected to transform into twilight, temperatures will drop significantly, and the sun's corona will become clearly visible.

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Do not look at the sun directly without using special eclipse glasses or light-filtering equipment.