Rare Total Solar Eclipse to Plunge Makkah into Darkness

Arab Saudi will witness a rare and stunning astronomical event in early August 2027. On 2 August 2027, a total solar eclipse, classified as rare, will be visible directly in the regions of Makkah and Jeddah. The total solar eclipse, as reported by Arabia Weather, is considered one of the most special astronomical phenomena in recent decades. Based on astronomical calculations, the solar eclipse will be visible across a wide area of the Arabian Peninsula, with the total impact of the eclipse occurring in western Saudi Arabia, particularly the holy city of Makkah. During the total solar eclipse, sunlight in the holy city of Makkah is expected to disappear completely, by 100 percent, for about 5 minutes during the day on 2 August 2027. This situation will create an extraordinary sight, turning daytime into momentary darkness. The holy city of Makkah is one of the main cities that will witness this rare astronomical event. The moon’s shadow will completely cover the sun’s disk, presenting a unique phenomenon of darkness in the middle of broad daylight, and allowing stars and planets to be seen in the sky during the peak of the eclipse. The total solar eclipse can also be witnessed in Taif, Abha, Jazan, and Al-Bahar. Meanwhile, in other Saudi regions, only a partial solar eclipse will be visible. The eastern region of Saudi Arabia is expected to witness a partial solar eclipse with coverage possibly exceeding 60 percent, meaning most of Saudi Arabia will be treated to a special astronomical sight with varying degrees of intensity. This event is expected to attract widespread attention from astronomy enthusiasts and global media, due to its rarity and unique characteristics. The eclipse is set to be the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century, with the city of Luxor in Egypt serving as the centre of this historic event, where observers will be able to witness the totality phase for 6 minutes and 23 seconds. This makes it the longest total solar eclipse observable from land until the year 2114. Most total solar eclipses typically last for two or three minutes. Eclipse chasers are calling it the ‘eclipse of the century’. The path of totality for the 2027 eclipse will begin over the Atlantic Ocean, before crossing southern Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia.