Not all solar eclipses are created equal.
Solar eclipses are among the most dramatic and awe-inspiring celestial events one can witness, but they’re not all equally impressive. Some are more complete than others, some last only a moment, while others linger.
In the summer of 2027, people in some parts of the world will see the longest total solar eclipse in a century. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for the show.
Why eclipses happen and why they are always different
total solar eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs whenever the moon or other celestial body passes between the sun and another object or observer. You can see a solar eclipse on Mars thanks to its two potato-shaped moons, Phobos and Deimos. On planets like Jupiter and Saturn, solar eclipses may be caused by the many moons orbiting the gas giants. But nowhere in the solar system can you watch a solar eclipse like from Earth.
In fact, solar eclipses are probably better on Earth than almost anywhere in the universe. Some believe that if intelligent aliens existed, they might visit Earth just to watch a solar eclipse. This is because of the special relationship between Earth’s moon and sun.
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The Sun is about 400 times larger than the Moon, but also about 400 times farther away, so their apparent size in the sky is the same. When the Moon completely blocks the Sun, it perfectly obscures our star, leaving only the coronal atmosphere visible.
If the Sun, Earth, and Moon were orbiting in the same plane, then we would have a solar eclipse every month during the New Moon, when the Sun and Moon are on the same side of the Earth. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Instead, the Moon’s orbit is tilted by about five degrees, so its shadow often falls above or below the planet. A solar eclipse occurs about every six months during what’s called eclipse season.
Types of solar eclipses
Types of solar eclipses
There are three main types of solar eclipses: total eclipse, annular eclipse and partial eclipse. The fourth type, called a mixed eclipse, transitions from annular to total eclipses depending on the observer’s position.
How much of the Sun is covered depends on how the orbits of all three celestial bodies line up. Partial eclipse occurs when a lineup is fleeting. The moon begins to obscure the sun, then moves away from the sun again before completing its task. It is never safe to look directly at a partial solar eclipse because part of the sun is always visible.
An annular solar eclipse is similar to a total solar eclipse, but there is one important difference. During an annular solar eclipse, the Moon is at or near apogee (the farthest point of its orbit), so it appears slightly smaller from our vantage point on Earth. As a result, the moon aligns with the sun but doesn’t completely cover it, leaving a visible ring of fire around the edge.
Total solar eclipses are the most famous for their ability to plunge the daytime sky into temporary darkness. It is known that even birds will burst into morning song immediately after a total solar eclipse. During a total eclipse, it is safe to briefly remove your eclipse glasses and observe the Sun’s coronal atmosphere with the naked eye.
Why the August 2027 solar eclipse will be brighter than other eclipses
August 27 Solar Eclipse
Even during a total solar eclipse, the length of totality can vary depending on the event. In April 2024, a total solar eclipse swept across North America. Tens of millions of people traveling along the path of totality enjoyed daylight darkness that lasted 4 minutes and 28 seconds. By comparison, the total solar eclipse in August 2026 will last only 1 minute and 43 seconds.
One year later, in August 2027, parts of the world will experience the longest total eclipse period in a century, lasting 6 minutes and 23 seconds. The February 2026 eclipse will have a longer central duration of 7 minutes and 51 seconds, but it will be annular and therefore will not be total.
If you want to see the ongoing total solar eclipse in 2027, you’ll need to enter the path of totality, which will pass through Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia.
Before you go, check out our solar eclipse safety guide with science expert Bill Nye.
While you wait, explore the universe with Ark, now streaming on SYFY.
