The Saudi Space Agency explained that the Kingdom will witness on August 2, 2027, an exceptional astronomical event: a rare total solar eclipse considered one of the most prominent astronomical phenomena of the 21st century, and the first of its kind in over 75 years.

The agency noted that the path of totality will cross vast areas of western and southern Saudi Arabia, offering researchers and astronomy enthusiasts a unique opportunity to observe and document the phenomenon. The duration of total obscuration and darkness is expected to reach about 6 minutes in some southern areas such as Abha, while Jeddah and the western coast will record an obscuration duration of nearly 5 minutes and 50 seconds.

Partial Eclipse and Safety Guidelines

The agency added that the rest of the Kingdom's regions, including the central, eastern, and northern areas, will witness a partial eclipse with varying percentages, reaching in some areas up to 80% of the solar disk, and the duration of obscuration will vary according to geographical location.

The Saudi Space Agency emphasized the importance of following safety guidelines while observing the eclipse, stressing the need to use glasses and binoculars equipped with special filters to avoid damage from direct solar viewing.

Eclipse Path and Phenomenon Details

For his part, the head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, Engineer Majed Abu Zahra, explained that the total eclipse begins from the Red Sea coast and passes through a large number of cities and governorates, including Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, Al-Baha, Baljurashi, Al-Namas, Khamis Mushait, Jazan, Najran, Dhahran Al-Janoub, and others.

Abu Zahra indicated that the total eclipse phase will see daylight turn into twilight with a drop in lighting and temperatures, and the appearance of the solar corona. Additionally, some bright stars and planets can be observed, sights that are only seen during a total eclipse.

In the same context, he noted that the eclipse of August 2, 2027, represents a rare scientific and educational opportunity to enhance interest in astronomy and promote a culture of safe observation, stressing that an eclipse of this duration will not recur in most parts of the region for many years.

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