The 'Eclipse of the Century' Is Coming: How Europe, North Africa and the Middle East Will Go Dark for 6 Minutes in 2027

A total solar eclipse now being hailed by astronomers as the 'Eclipse of the Century' will sweep across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East in August 2027, plunging regions into an eerie, breathtaking twilight for up to six minutes.

According to Space.com, the Moon will pass directly in front of the Sun at perigee — its closest point to Earth — allowing for an unusually long period of totality that has sparked global excitement among scientists, eclipse chasers, and tourism officials preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

A Rare Celestial Event With an Exceptional Duration

The eclipse will begin over the Atlantic before carving a dramatic path across Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, and Egypt, with cities such as Málaga, Marrakech, Luxor and Aswan expected to experience full darkness.

Most total solar eclipses offer a fleeting two to three minutes of totality. But experts note that this one may last up to six minutes in prime locations, making it one of the longest since the early 20th century.

Astronomers quoted by Space.com explain that the extended duration is due to the Moon's position at perigee, which makes it appear slightly larger in the sky and able to obscure the Sun for a longer stretch.

Safety First: How to Watch Without Damaging Your Eyes

Health experts are urging caution when looking directly at the Sun — even during partial phases — as it can cause permanent eye damage.

Recommended precautions include:

• ISO-certified eclipse glasses
• Pinhole projectors for indirect viewing
• Solar filters for telescopes and cameras

Event organisers across Europe and North Africa have already begun issuing safety guidelines, with community groups preparing public viewing stations to manage crowds expected to gather in thousands.

Tourism Boom: Hotels, Tours and Festivals Along the Path

Eclipse tourism is about to explode. Regions in southern Spain and Morocco are already reporting early hotel sell-outs, with travel operators predicting a multi-million-euro surge in tourism. Travel analysts stated that eclipse chasers from the US, UK, Japan and Europe are booking specialist viewing tours more than a year in advance.

Festivals, educational exhibitions and astronomy camps are being planned in cities along the path of totality, transforming the eclipse into a cultural and economic opportunity for local communities.

A Photographer's Dream and a Scientific Goldmine

For astrophotographers, the 2027 eclipse is expected to be the most photographed astronomical event of the decade. Experts say the unusually long totality will offer rare chances to capture the Sun's ethereal corona with clarity.

Researchers will also use the extended darkness to study solar wind, magnetic fields, and temperature variations across the corona — data that are usually difficult to collect during shorter eclipses.

Why This Eclipse Matters Globally

Though solar eclipses are natural events, their social impact is extraordinary. The 2027 spectacle is already inspiring international travel, local festivals, school programmes and scientific collaborations.

With perfect alignment, generous duration and clear August skies across much of the Mediterranean, it is poised to become one of the most memorable celestial moments of the century.

For the millions planning to witness it, six minutes of darkness will offer a rare reminder of the scale and beauty of the universe — a moment that feels both ancient and astonishingly modern.