Longest total solar eclipse of this century on August 2? NASA reveals exact date, says cosmic event will be visible in…
Longest solar eclipse: A rumor has gone viral on social media platforms that a total solar eclipse will occur on August 2, 2025 (Saturday), however, NASA has clarified that the cosmic event will not take place in 2025. Interestingly, the solar eclipse will be the longest of this century, and is estimated to last for more than six minutes.
When will the solar eclipse occur?
According to NASA, the century’s longest total solar eclipse will take place on August 2, 2027, and will last an astonishing six minutes and 22 seconds at its peak, almost twice the duration of most total solar eclipses. During the eclipse, a part of the earth upon which the shadow of the moon falls, will be engulfed in complete darkness during the day for the entirety of the cosmic event.
As per scientists, several astronomical conditions will come together to birth this unique solar eclipse during which the Earth will be at its farthest point from the Sun, while the Moon will be closest to the planet, making them appear smaller and larger, respectively. The rare phenomenon will allow the moon to cast a long shadow on a part of the earth, resulting in a total solar eclipse.
The eclipse is calculated to pass near the equator where the moon’s shadow moves slower than the surface of the Earth, which is one of the reasons for the event’s long duration.
Where will the eclipse be visible in India?
While the 2027 total solar eclipse can be viewed in several countries across the world, including Egypt, Gibraltar, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Spain, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen and Afghanistan, the event will not be visible in India or in the entire Indian subcontinent.
However, NASA will broadcast the eclipse on its various platforms, allowing astronomy connoisseurs to view the event from any place on Earth, including India.
A partial solar eclipse will also be visible in the many countries.
How does an eclipse occur?
A solar eclipse is a rare astronomical event that occurs when the moon passes between the earth and the Sun, blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on our planet. Solar eclipses occur during the new moon, when it is located in a direct line between Earth and the Sun. During a solar eclipse, the sun’s light does not reach the earth directly, allowing a rare opportunity for scientists and astronomers to study the corona.
The longest total solar eclipse, which is set to occur on August 2, 2027, will be the longest such event of its kind to take place between 1991 and 2114.
News