August 2027 total solar eclipse: All you need to know about this rare phenomenon
Celestial spectacles ahead — solar, lunar eclipses and meteor showers coming to UAE skies
The world is gearing up for one of the most awe-inspiring astronomical events of the decade: a total solar eclipse taking place on August 2, 2027.
This rare phenomenon will plunge parts of southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East into midday darkness as the Moon perfectly aligns with the Sun, casting a sweeping shadow across the Earth.
Public viewing in the UAE
While the UAE will experience only a partial eclipse, local astronomy enthusiasts will not be left out.
The Dubai Astronomy Group is organising a public viewing event featuring solar telescopes for safe observation, interactive educational activities for all ages, and live commentary by expert astronomers.
Attendees will witness approximately 53% of the Sun covered by the Moon at peak eclipse in Dubai around 2:43pm.
For those who want to see the full eclipse, international live streams will showcase totality from key locations such as southern Spain, Morocco, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.
A once-in-a-lifetime event
This celestial event is particularly special for several reasons:
It will feature the longest totality on land of the 21st century, with total darkness lasting up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds in some areas, particularly Luxor, Egypt.
It will be visible as a total solar eclipse in countries including Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia.
Major cities like Jeddah, Luxor, and Benghazi will be in or near the path of totality, offering millions the chance to witness this rare spectacle.
In the UAE, cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi will see 50–57% of the Sun obscured.
How to view the eclipse safely
Observing a solar eclipse is a thrilling experience, but it must be done safely:
Never look directly at the Sun without certified solar viewing glasses (ISO 12312-2).
Standard sunglasses are not safe.
Use proper solar filters on telescopes, cameras, or binoculars.
Indirect viewing methods such as pinhole projectors offer a safe alternative.
Why are solar eclipses so rare?
Solar eclipses occur two to five times a year globally, but any given location may only witness a total eclipse once in several decades or even centuries.
The last partial eclipse visible in the UAE was in October 2022; the next will be this one in August 2027. The next total eclipse in the UAE won’t occur until 3 September 2081.
Other celestial events to watch
In addition to the solar eclipse, the UAE is set to host a range of exciting astronomy events in 2025:
Milky Way observation
Date: 26 July 2025
Time: 10:00pm to 2:00am
Location: Al Quaa Desert, Abu Dhabi
Perseids meteor shower
Date: Night of 12 August 2025
Time: Late night to early morning hours
Location: Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
Note: Despite a bright moon, the Perseids will still offer visible fireballs. No equipment required.
Total lunar eclipse
Date: 7 September 2025
Time: 7:00pm to 11:00pm
Highlights: Safe to view with the naked eye. Totality at 10:11pm. Dubai Astronomy Group will host a public viewing event with telescopes and live stream.
Saturn at opposition
Date: 21 September 2025
Time: Evening hours after sunset
Event: Saturn will be at its closest and brightest. Telescopic views will show Saturn’s rings and possibly Titan.
A golden era for astronomy enthusiasts
The total solar eclipse of 2 August 2027 promises to be a jaw-dropping celestial experience, both for those within the path of totality and observers across the wider region.
Whether watching in person at a public event or tuning in via live stream, skywatchers have a spectacular show ahead.
Coupled with a rich line-up of other celestial events, 2025 to 2027 is shaping up to be a golden era for astronomy enthusiasts in the UAE and beyond.
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