Are you preparing for the “eclipse of the century”? As soon as something becomes known the historic total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027you can be sure that thousands of eclipse chasers will be planning a trip to the path of totality.
Perhaps the biggest attraction of this monument solar eclipse is the length of totality, which will be 6 minutes and 23 seconds. The potential viewing locations will attract many spectators, with ancient Egyptian temples and Roman ruins in the path of totality. And who can overlook the excellent weather forecast? While clouds can often block eclipses, this is unlikely to happen on August 2, 2027, as there is virtually no chance of cloud cover from some locations.
Related: Where will the 2027 total solar eclipse be visible on August 2?
The prize is daytime darkness and a chance to see the sun’s corona with your naked eyes – but only if you’re in the right place at the right time.
The 258-kilometer-wide path of totality will cross Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somaliland, Somalia and the Chagos Islands, sending nearly 89 million people under the moon. umbral shadow.
Here are 10 top tips for planning your total solar eclipse.
1. Expect high temperatures
This will be a very, very hot experience. As the moon’s shadow moves across the land, temperatures will cool dramatically. That will be the scorching heat across the path of totality from southern Spain to Arabia, and the cold temperatures during totality will likely be one of the main features of this eclipse. However, keep in mind that you can handle temperatures of about 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius). It’s no wonder that almost all tour groups planning to visit Luxor, Egypt, will observe the solar eclipse from the grounds of five-star, air-conditioned hotels.
2. Know the weather odds
It is extremely rare for a path of totality to cross areas of the planet where clouds are almost impossible. Yet that is exactly what will happen on August 2, 2027. If you want a cloud-free experience, go anywhere in the interior of Egypt (including the Siwa Oasis, Luxor, and anywhere on the Nile within the path) , or board a cruise ship that plans to sightsee in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya.
However, the entire path of totality will not be cloud-free. The Atlantic Ocean will likely be cloudy – ruling out a stress-free cruise from the Azores or Madeira, Portugal – as will the Strait of Gibraltar and northern Morocco.
3. Consider Egypt
Egypt will be the big location for this eclipse, and many North American eclipse chasers may not consider traveling there. Yes, Egypt is far away, and it is in an unpredictable region. However, tourism is a booming industry in Egypt, with almost 12 million visitors in 2022 and an estimated 15 million in 2024.
Most visits go off without a hitch. However, it is important to note that Americans may want to err on the side of caution, as the The US Department of State sometimes advises against travel to Egypt. Whether you choose to travel independently or on an organized tour, there are many options to enjoy an enjoyable visit to Egypt.
4. Don’t forget Spain
Spain will experience two total solar eclipses within one lunar year, with totality in the north on August 12, 2026and on August 2, 2027 by the southern region of Andalusia. The second of these two eclipses will have the longest totality and the greatest chance of clear skies. Spain is north of the centerline of this eclipse, but longer totals will occur further south in the country you are traveling. Note this duration of totality:
- Cádiz (2 minutes, 46 seconds)
- Malaga (1 minute, 56 seconds)
- Ronda (1 minute, 17 seconds)
- Marbella (3 minutes, 17 seconds)
- Parque Natural Los Alcornocales (3 minutes, 50 seconds)
- Algeciras (4 minutes, 26 seconds)
- Torre de Guadalmesí (4 minutes, 38 seconds)
- Baelo Claudia (4 minutes, 31 seconds)
- Tarifa (4 minutes, 39 seconds)
5. Have a Tatooine totality
In addition to crossing Egypt’s Western Desert, the Path of Totality will travel through the Tunisian desert, home to some “Star Wars” movie sets. Near Tozeur, Tunisia, are the sets for Mos Espa (2 minutes, 4 seconds) and “Star Wars Canyon”; 3 minutes, 9 seconds) by Sidi Bouhlel. Lars Homestead from the original “Star Wars” movie is just south of the path.
6. See the Milky Way
Solar eclipses are the perfect travel event for anyone who loves them watching stars And astronomy. By definition, solar eclipses occur during the new Moon, when the night sky is free of moonlight. If you place yourself in Egypt’s cloud-free Western Desert, you’ll get fantastic views of the Milky Way on the nights before and after the August 2 solar eclipse.
7. Stick around for the Perseids
As a bonus, the Perseid meteor shower runs from July 17 to August 24, 2027. It peaks on the night of August 12 and the morning of August 13 during a waxing moon. However, because the shower’s ‘shooting stars’ are so bright, it may be worth staying in desert areas for another ten days after the eclipse. A relatively easy trip from North Africa, Wadi Rum in Jordan is popular for stargazing in the dark skies.
8. Beware of clouds in Gibraltar
The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, a short flight from Britain, will appeal to many. It is dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 426 meter high limestone ridge that in theory seems like a fantastic place to witness the totality. It even has observation decks (and Barbary macaques). However, “The Rock” also generates its own clouds and rain. The “Levanter” can appear at any time and brings with it decidedly unsummery weather.
9. Prepare your camera
This will be a very popular solar eclipse to photograph. With so much time in total in many locations, few people will be able to resist the urge to capture an eclipsed sun. Many more people plan to spend a few minutes photographing the solar eclipse and enjoying it with their naked eyes.
However, there are some things to keep in mind and precautions to take. This will be a very high eclipse, so expect to lie down on the ground if you want to get a close-up with a telephoto lens. (From Luxor, the eclipse will occur at 82 degrees, which is almost directly above that.)
Remember your solar viewing set including solar filters designed to make your camera safe for observing the sun.
Related: How to Watch the Sun Safely (and What to Look For)
Keep your camera in the shade until it’s completely ready, and place it in a camera bag if you’ll be between extreme heat and an air-conditioned hotel room, which can cause condensation on the lens. Use a weatherproof cover to keep dust and sand out. Check out our guides for more tips how to photograph a solar eclipse And how to photograph a solar eclipse with a smartphone.
10. Don’t ignore the Nile
Many dedicated eclipse chasers will head to Luxor, Egypt, via a Nile cruise or to stay in a hotel. After all, that is where the maximum length of totality lies, and clear skies are virtually guaranteed. It’s a no-brainer. Or is it? Other locations are also attractive and may be less crowded.
For example, the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo will experience more than five minutes of totality. Both are a short drive from Aswan, a beautiful destination just beyond the southern border of the Path of Totality.