Sky gazers are gearing up for the “eclipse of the century,” penciled in for August 2027.
A total solar eclipse lasting up to six minutes and 23 seconds at its peak is expected on Aug. 2, 2027, according to NASA. The total solar eclipse, in which the moon moves perfectly between the sun and Earth, effectively casting a shadow on Earth, will be one of the longest in several decades.
In comparison, the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, lasted four minutes and 28 seconds at its peak. The solar eclipse of 1991, however, lasted six minutes and 53 seconds. Space.com reports that the solar eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027, will be the longest eclipse totality until 2114.
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The eclipse will be visible in parts of Africa, Europe and the Middle East. However, the vast majority of the United States won’t have a view of it.
Here’s what to know about the solar eclipse expected on Aug. 2, 2027.
Space: Two eclipses happen in August. Here’s who can see them
Will the Aug. 2, 2027, solar eclipse be visible in the US?
A partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Maine between 5:14 and 5:19 a.m. ET on Aug. 2, 2027, according to Time and Date. Unfortunately, this may be the only view of the phenomenon in the United States.
Where will the solar eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027, be visible?
The solar eclipse’s path of totality will cross over parts of Africa, Europe and the Middle East, according to National Eclipse and NASA.
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Parts of the following countries are within the path of totality.
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Saudi Arabia
Other countries in Africa, Europe and the Middle East will have a partial view of the eclipse.
There’s actually another solar eclipse coming first
The Aug. 2, 2027, phenomenon isn’t the next total solar eclipse. On Aug. 12, 2026, a solar eclipse will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and parts of Portugal, according to NASA.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 6-minute solar eclipse is coming Aug. 2, 2027. Where to see it
