If you’ve ever wanted to see the moon block the sun and the day turn to night for so long, here’s your chance.
NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) has confirmed that the world will witness the longest total solar eclipse of the century. It will last a ridiculous 6 minutes and 23 seconds of daytime darkness.
Here’s everything you need to know: 
1. This Will Be the Longest Solar Eclipse in 100 Years
Total solar eclipses usually last a few minutes. The North American eclipse in 2024 lasted 4 minutes, 28 seconds. The upcoming solar eclipse in Spain in 2026 is expected to last 1 minute and 43 seconds.
But in 2027, we’re expecting 6 minutes, 23 seconds of full blackout. This is almost the longest a solar eclipse can physically be (the theoretical maximum is 7 minutes, 32 seconds).
Why is it so dramatic?
- The Moon will be at perigee (its closest point to Earth), making it appear slightly larger.
- The Earth will be at aphelion, its farthest point from the Sun, making the Sun appear slightly smaller.
2. African Countries That’ll Experience This
It won’t be seen in all African countries, but Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Somalia’s coast will experience it.
The eclipse will sweep across three continents, touching Southern Spain & Gibraltar, Saudi Arabia & Yemen and the African countries mentioned above.
The best spot will be at Luxor and Aswan, Egypt, where you’ll get the full 6 minutes 23 seconds. This sport is right next to ancient temples. Imagine watching a cosmic show over 3,000-year-old monuments.
In the U.S., only a small part of Maine will see a partial eclipse.
3. How to Catch It (and Not Blind Yourself)
If you’re planning to see it, remember:
- NEVER look at the Sun without ISO-certified eclipse glasses
- Total darkness lasts long, but the before-and-after phases are still dangerous
- Expect sudden cold, weird animal behaviour, and humans screaming “Wow!” in 17 different accents
If you can’t travel? You can stream it, although it won’t compare.
READ ALSO: 5 Hidden Things Your iPhone’s Charging Port Can Do That Nobody Told You About
Bonus: Other Big Eclipses Coming Soon
If 2027 isn’t your year, here are other long ones:
- Aug 12, 2045 — USA, 6 min 6 sec
- May 22, 2096 — 6 min 6 sec
- The next very long one after that? 2114. Good luck with that.
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