Are you preparing for the “Eclipse of the Century”? Once word gets out landmark total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027you can bet thousands of eclipse hunters will be planning a trip to the path of totality.
Perhaps the biggest attraction of this monument solar eclipse is the length of totality that reaches 6 minutes 23 seconds. Potential viewing spots will attract many onlookers, with ancient Egyptian temples and Roman ruins in the path of totality. And who can overlook the great weather prospects? While clouds can often block an eclipse, this is unlikely to happen on August 2, 2027, as there is almost zero chance of clouds from some locations.
Related: Where will the August 2nd Total Solar Eclipse be visible in 2027?
The payoff is darkness during the day and the ability to see the solar corona with the naked eye – but only if you’re in the right place at the right time.
The 160-mile-wide (258-kilometer) path of totality will cut through Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somaliland, Somalia, and the Chagos Islands, throwing nearly 89 million people under the moon. umbral shadow.
Here are the top 10 tips for planning a total solar eclipse experience.
1. Expect high temperatures
It will be a very, very hot experience. As the moon’s shadow sweeps across the earth, temperatures will cool dramatically. Such will be the scorching heat on the path of totality from southern Spain to Arabia, and cool temperatures during totality are likely to be one of the main features of this eclipse. However, expect temperatures around 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius). It’s no wonder that almost all tour groups planning to visit Luxor, Egypt will watch the eclipse from the grounds of five-star air-conditioned hotels.
2. Know the probability of the weather
It is extremely rare for the path of totality to pass through areas of the planet where clouds are almost impossible. But that’s exactly what will happen on August 2, 2027. For a cloud-free experience, head anywhere in inland Egypt (including the Siwa Oasis, Luxor, and anywhere else on the Nile as part of the itinerary) or take a cruise on a ship that plans sightings in the Mediterranean off the coast of Libya.
However, the entire path of totality will not be without clouds. The Atlantic Ocean is likely to have clouds – ruling out stress-free sailing from the Azores or Portugal’s Madeira – as is the Strait of Gibraltar and northern Morocco.
3. Consider Egypt
Egypt is supposed to be the main location for this eclipse, and many North American eclipse hunters may not consider going there. Yes, Egypt is far away and in an unpredictable area. However, tourism is a booming industry in Egypt, with almost 12 million visitors in 2022 and an estimated 15 million in 2024.
Most visits are uneventful. However, it is important to note that Americans may want to be careful The US State Department sometimes advises against travel to Egypt. Whether you choose to travel independently or opt for an organized tour, there are many opportunities to enjoy an enjoyable visit to Egypt.
4. Don’t forget Spain
Spain will experience two total solar eclipses in a single lunar year, with totality in the north on August 12, 2026and over the southern region of Andalusia on August 2, 2027. The second of the two eclipses will have the longest total eclipse and the best chance for clear skies. Spain is north of the central axis of this eclipse, but longer totality will occur further south in the country you are traveling to. Note these durations of totality:
- Cadiz (2 minutes, 46 seconds)
- Málaga (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 Guadalmesà (4 minutes, 38 seconds)
- Baelo Claudia (4 minutes, 31 seconds)
- Tariff (4 minutes, 39 seconds)
5. Have a Tatooine totality
In addition to crossing the Western Desert in Egypt, the path of totality will pass through the Tunisian desert, which is home to several “Star Wars” film sets. Near Tozeur, Tunisia are filming locations for Mos Espa (2 minutes, 4 seconds) and “Star Wars Canyon”; 3 minutes, 9 seconds) to Sidi Bouhlel. The Lars Homestead from the original “Star Wars” movie is south of the road.
6. See the Milky Way
Solar eclipses are the perfect travel event for anyone who loves stargazing and astronomy. By definition, a solar eclipse occurs during new month, when the night sky is moonless. If you dive into the cloudless Western Desert in Egypt, you’ll have a wonderful view Milky Way on the night before and after the August 2nd eclipse.
7. Linger for the Perseids
As a bonus, Perseid meteor shower it will run from July 17 to August 24, 2027. It will peak on the night of August 12 and the morning of August 13 during the waxing gibbous Moon. However, since the shower’s “shooting stars” are so bright, it might be worth staying in desert areas for the next 10 days after the eclipse. Wadi Rum in Jordan, a relatively easy trip from North Africa, is popular for dark-sky stargazing.
8. Watch out for clouds in Gibraltar
The British overseas territory of Gibraltar, a short flight from the UK, appeals to many. It is dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 1,398-foot-tall (426-meter) limestone ridge that, in theory, seems like a fabulous place to witness totality. It even has observation decks (and barbary macaques). However, “The Rock” also generates its own clouds and rain. “Levanter” can appear at any time and brings distinctly non-summer weather.
9. Get your camera ready
This will be a very popular eclipse to photograph. With so much time in totality in so many places, few people will be able to resist the urge to capture a solar eclipse. Many others plan to spend a few minutes photographing the eclipse and enjoying it with their eyes alone.
However, there are some things to think about and take precautions. It will be a very high eclipse, so expect to be lying on the ground if you want to get a close-up shot with a telephoto lens. (From Luxor, the eclipse will occur at 82 degrees, which is almost directly overhead.)
Remember yours solar observation set including solar filters designed to keep your camera safe for viewing the sun.
Related: How to observe the sun safely (and what to look for)
Keep the camera in the shade until completely destroyed, and when moving between extreme heat and an air-conditioned hotel room, place it in a bag that can cause moisture to condense on the lens. Use a weatherproof cover to keep dust and sand out. For more tips, check out our guides at how to photograph a solar eclipse and how to take pictures of the eclipse with a smartphone.
10. Don’t ignore the Nile
Many dedicated eclipse hunters head to Luxor, Egypt for a Nile cruise or hotel stay. After all, there is the maximum length of totality and clear skies are almost guaranteed. It sucks. Or is it? Other places 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 distance from Aswan, a beautiful destination just beyond the southern border of the path of totality.