On August 2, 2027, the Earth is anticipating an exceptional and distinguished astronomical event, one of the most prominent of the 21st century, a rare historical event not witnessed in Saudi Arabia for more than 75 years.

The Earth will experience one of the longest total solar eclipses of the current century, a rare astronomical sight that turns daylight into temporary darkness in the areas it passes through.

The path of totality intersects large parts of western and southern Saudi Arabia, giving it a distinct advantage and strategic position on the global astronomical observation map to monitor and document this phenomenon, while the maximum duration of totality is expected to be recorded over neighboring Egyptian territory.

The Saudi Space Agency explained that residents and visitors of the western and southern regions of the Kingdom will witness a total eclipse, with the duration of complete darkness reaching 6 minutes in some southern areas such as Abha, while Jeddah and parts of the western coast will record a duration of 5 minutes and 50 seconds. These are relatively long periods, offering researchers and astronomy enthusiasts a golden opportunity to study the solar corona.

In this context, specialists indicated that the rest of the regions (central, eastern, and northern) will not be isolated from this event, as they will witness a partial solar eclipse with varying obscuration percentages, reaching up to 80% in some areas. The duration, obscuration percentage, and start and end times vary precisely according to the geographic coordinates and location of each region and governorate.

The agency emphasized the utmost importance of following safety guidelines while observing the phenomenon, stressing the need to avoid looking directly at the sun without using special filtered glasses and telescopes, to ensure everyone's safety and a safe observation experience.

In a related context, the head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, engineer Majid Abu Zahra, explained that the path of totality begins from the Red Sea coast and extends through a large number of cities and governorates in western and southwestern Saudi Arabia, most notably: Mecca, Jeddah, Thuwal, Dhahban, Khulais, Usfan, Al-Jumum, Bahra, Taif, Al-Hada, Al-Shafa, Al-Lith, Adham, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha, Baljurashi, Al-Mujardah, Al-Qunfudhah, Sabt Al-Alaya, Al-Namas, Tanumah, Bariq, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Bish, Sabya, Jazan, Najran, Dhahran Al-Janub, Sarat Abidah, Huraidh, Ghiran, and Ghumaiqa.

He stated that the total eclipse stage will see daylight transform into something resembling twilight, with a noticeable decrease in light intensity and temperatures. The solar corona around the sun will appear, and some bright stars and planets can be observed—sights that are only visible during a total eclipse.

Engineer Abu Zahra pointed out that the eclipse of August 2, 2027, represents an exceptional scientific and educational opportunity to enhance interest in astronomy and spread a culture of safe observation, noting that a total eclipse of this duration will not recur over most parts of the region for long periods.