August 2, 2027: Rare Total Solar Eclipse to Briefly Turn Daylight into Darkness in Parts of Saudi Arabia
The Earth is anticipating an exceptional and unique astronomical event on August 2, 2027, considered one of the most prominent of the 21st century—a rare historic event not witnessed in Saudi Arabia for over 75 years. The Earth will experience one of the longest total solar eclipses of the current century, a rare celestial spectacle that will turn daylight into temporary darkness in the areas it passes through. The path of totality will intersect with large parts of western and southern Saudi Arabia, giving it a distinct strategic position on the global astronomical observation map for monitoring and documenting 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 will witness the total eclipse, with the duration of sunlight blockage and complete darkness reaching about 6 minutes in some southern areas such as Abha, while Jeddah and parts of the western coast will record a blockage duration of approximately 5 minutes and 50 seconds—relatively long periods providing researchers and astronomy enthusiasts a golden opportunity to study the solar corona. In this context, specialists indicated that the rest of the Kingdom (central, eastern, and northern regions) will not be isolated from this event, as they will experience a partial eclipse of the solar disk at varying rates, with the blockage reaching up to 80% in some areas. The exact duration, percentage, and start and end times will vary precisely according to geographic coordinates and location. The Saudi Space Agency emphasizes the utmost importance of following safety guidelines during observation, stressing the need to avoid direct eye contact with the sun without using special filtered glasses and telescopes, to ensure everyone's safety and a secure viewing experience. In a related context, the head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, Engineer Majid Abu Zahira, explained that the path of totality begins from the Red Sea coast and extends across many cities and governorates in western and southwestern Saudi Arabia, most notably: Mecca, Jeddah, Thuwal, Dhaban, Khulais, Asfan, Al-Jumum, Bahra, Taif, Al-Hada, Ash-Shafa, Al-Lith, Adham, Al-Mandaq, Al-Baha, Baljurashi, Al-Mujaridah, Al-Qunfudhah, Sabt Al-Alaya, An-Namas, Tanumah, Bariq, Khamis Mushait, Ahad Rafidah, Bish, Sabya, Jazan, Najran, Dhahran Al-Janub, Sarat Abidah, Haradh, Ghran, and Ghumiqah. He stated that the total phase will see daylight transform into something resembling twilight, with a noticeable drop in light intensity and temperatures; the solar corona surrounding the sun will appear, and some bright stars and planets can be observed—scenes visible only during a total eclipse. Engineer Abu Zahira pointed out that the eclipse of August 2, 2027, represents an exceptional scientific and educational opportunity to boost interest in astronomy and spread safe observation culture, noting that a total eclipse of this duration will not recur over most of the region for long periods.
Original source: Al-Mowaten
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