A long path of totality
The Moon’s central shadow crosses the Atlantic and the Strait of Gibraltar, then continues across North Africa, Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa before reaching the Indian Ocean.
SolarOptics eclipse guide
2 August 2027 Total Solar Eclipse
A practical guide to the path, timing and safe preparation for families, schools and travellers. Local eclipse circumstances and times vary by location.
On 2 August 2027, a total solar eclipse will trace a narrow path across parts of southern Europe, North Africa and beyond. For travellers within that path, the Moon can completely cover the Sun for a brief period. A much wider area will see a partial eclipse instead.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center calculates greatest eclipse at approximately 10:06:34 UTC, near 25.5° N, 33.2° E in Egypt, with central totality lasting about 6 minutes 23 seconds. That is a global reference point—not a local viewing time. The start, maximum, end and duration at your location will be different.
NASA reference
Verify your position and local circumstances with NASA’s interactive eclipse map before making travel plans.
View NASA GSFC eclipse mapAt a glance
What makes the 2027 eclipse exceptional
Up to about 6 minutes 23 seconds
NASA GSFC calculates approximately 6 minutes 23 seconds of totality near greatest eclipse. Duration is shorter elsewhere along the path.
Plan for every viewer
Families and groups should prepare one undamaged pair of certified eclipse glasses per person, plus adult supervision for children.
Build a school viewing routine
Schools should practise the glasses-on, look, turn-away routine in advance and use indirect viewing for children who cannot keep viewers in place.
Path and timing
Plan around your exact location
The path of totality is narrow. It reaches the Strait of Gibraltar, crosses North Africa and Egypt, continues through the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa, then moves over the Indian Ocean. Locations outside that central path experience a partial eclipse.
Do not use the time of greatest eclipse as your viewing schedule. Local contact times, the Sun’s position and the length of totality vary from place to place. Check coordinates for your chosen site and recheck local guidance as the date approaches.
Preparation checklist
- Confirm whether your exact location is inside or outside the path of totality.
- Check trusted local circumstances and times for the place where you will watch.
- Provide certified eclipse glasses for every viewer and inspect each pair before use.
- Choose a viewing site with a clear view of the Sun and a practical weather backup.
- Brief children and groups before the partial phase begins.
- Keep glasses on throughout every partial phase and whenever totality is uncertain.
Safe viewing comes first
NASA advises using safe solar viewers that comply with ISO 12312-2 during every partial phase. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe. Only observers confirmed inside the path may remove viewers during the brief total phase, when the Moon completely covers the Sun’s bright face. Put them back on as soon as bright sunlight reappears.
Choose the right pack
Prepared for families and groups
Give every viewer their own pair and keep spares available for damaged or misplaced glasses. Choose a small family pack or prepare a larger classroom or event group from the current retail range.
Sources and timing note
Eclipse path, greatest-eclipse time, location, path width and central duration are based on NASA GSFC eclipse calculations. Safety guidance is based on NASA’s official solar-eclipse safety advice. Predictions can be refined, and all local times and circumstances vary by location.