Is it safe to look at a total solar eclipse?

Only during totality — the brief window when the Moon completely covers the Sun — is it safe to look with unprotected eyes. At all other times, including all partial phases and during an annular eclipse, you must use certified solar filter glasses (ISO 12312-2). Ordinary sunglasses are not sufficient. Permanent eye damage can occur in seconds. NASA's eclipse safety page has full guidance.

What can I see during totality?

During totality the sky darkens to twilight, stars and planets become visible, and the Sun's corona — its outer atmosphere — becomes visible as a ghostly pearlescent halo around the dark disc of the Moon. Prominences (loops of plasma) may be visible at the edge. Totality is also when the temperature drops noticeably and birds sometimes fall silent. The NASA eclipse page for TSE 2027 gives timing for specific cities.

What if there are clouds on the day?

Clouds are the main risk for eclipse chasers. The path through North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula is generally favourable for clear skies in August. The Spanish coast has higher cloud risk. If you are travelling, consider cities in Morocco, Algeria, Libya or Egypt — inland locations have drier, clearer conditions. Check detailed cloud climatology at timeanddate.com TSE 2027.

Where is the best place to watch?

The path of totality crosses the southern tip of Spain (Tarifa), then moves through northern Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Egypt), the Red Sea, and on through Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia. The longest totality (6 min 23 s) falls over the Atlantic, but cities such as Luxor, Egypt offer close to 5–6 minutes with historically clear August skies. Full path data is available at NASA's TSE 2027 page.

Total Solar Eclipse 2 August 2027

Name: Total Solar Eclipse — 2 August 2027
Start: 2027-08-02
End: 2027-08-02
Location: Path through Spain, North Africa and the Middle East

What to expect

Partial phases (1–2 hours before totality)

The Moon begins to move across the Sun's disc about 1–2 hours before totality. This partial phase is only safe to watch through certified solar filter glasses (ISO 12312-2). The Sun will look like it has a bite taken out of it, growing larger until just before totality. You can also project the Sun's image using a pinhole projector — a safe and inexpensive method, described by NASA's eclipse safety page.

Totality

As totality approaches, the sky darkens rapidly. A few seconds before totality, look at the ground — you may see shadow bands: rippling lines of light caused by atmospheric turbulence refracting the last sliver of sunlight. Then darkness falls. Remove your filter glasses.

You will see the Sun's corona — its outer atmosphere — visible only during totality. Bright planets and stars become visible. The temperature drops by 3–5 °C. The longest totality at this eclipse reaches 6 minutes 23 seconds over the Atlantic, with cities like Luxor, Egypt seeing around 5 minutes 50 seconds. Read about the physics of an eclipse in our Dictionary.

Path of totality — key locations

Location Totality duration Local time (approx.)

Tarifa, Spain~2 min~10:37 UTC

Rabat, Morocco~4 min~10:45 UTC

Algiers, Algeria~4 min 30 s~10:51 UTC

Luxor, Egypt~5 min 50 s~11:10 UTC

Medina, Saudi Arabia~5 min~11:22 UTC

Timings are approximate. Use NASA's eclipse tables for precision.

Total solar eclipse — 6 min 23 sec of totality.

What to expect

Partial phases (1–2 hours before totality)

Totality

Path of totality — key locations

Frequently asked questions