# Watching the 2 August 2027 eclipse: where, when and safely

The total eclipse of 2 August 2027 crosses northern Morocco and Egypt. In Luxor, totality lasts about 6 min 20 s, peaking at about 13:05 local time; in Tangier, about 4 min 50 s, peaking at about 8:47 local time.

Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/guides/watching-the-2-august-2027-eclipse/

## The eclipse at a glance

A total solar eclipse occurs on 2 August 2027. According to NASA (the US space agency), totality lasts up to 6 min 23 s. Greatest eclipse is at 10:06:34 UT (Universal Time) near Luxor, i.e. 13:06 local time. The path of totality is 257.7 km wide.

Across the Earth, according to EclipseWise, the calculation site of Fred Espenak, a former NASA astrophysicist:

| Phase | Universal Time |
|---|---|
| Partial eclipse begins | 07:30 |
| Moon's shadow touches the Earth, totality begins | 08:23 |
| Shadow near the Strait of Gibraltar | about 08:46 |
| Shadow enters Egypt | about 09:42 |
| Shadow over Luxor | about 10:05 |
| Shadow leaves the Earth, totality ends | 11:50 |
| Partial eclipse ends | 12:43 |

## Luxor and Tangier: times

| | Luxor (Egypt) | Tangier (Morocco) |
|---|---|---|
| Partial eclipse, local time | 11:40 to 14:26 | 7:40 to 10:00 |
| Maximum, local time | 13:05 | 8:47 |
| Totality | about 6 min 20 s | about 4 min 50 s |
| Sun altitude | 81.8° | 37.9° |

In Luxor, totality runs from about 13:02 to 13:08 local time.

**Time zones on 2 August 2027.** Egypt is on summer time (UTC+3): 2 hours ahead of London. Morocco has been on GMT all year since 20 September 2026 (decree no. 2.26.530, Official Bulletin no. 7521 of 29 June 2026): 1 hour behind London. Some calculation sites still count Morocco as UTC+1 and show 9:47 at maximum in Tangier; the correct local time is 8:47.

## Where totality is longest

According to EclipseWise, the longest totality, 6 min 23.24 s, occurs at 10:00:21 UT (13:00 local time) in the desert west of the Nile (26°48.8' N, 31°08.0' E). At the point of greatest eclipse, south-east of Luxor (25°30.2' N, 33°11.0' E), totality lasts 6 min 22.64 s.

## On the day

- **In Luxor**, the Sun is almost overhead, 81.8° above the horizon: you watch with your head tilted back, and a lounger or a mat on the ground makes the six minutes more comfortable. The partial phase lasts almost three hours, at the height of an August midday: shade, water and a hat for the wait.
- **In Tangier**, the eclipse happens early in the morning, with the Sun at 37.9° towards the east: pick a viewpoint open on that side, a terrace or the seafront, scouted the day before.
- **Everywhere**, settle in before the partial phase begins, and set up your camera and filter in advance: totality goes by quickly.

## Protecting your eyes

NASA guidance:

- Outside totality, look at the Sun only through eclipse glasses or a handheld viewer meeting ISO 12312-2 (the international standard for direct solar viewing filters).
- Sunglasses are not safe, however dark.
- Remove your glasses only during totality, and put them back as soon as the Sun reappears.
- A camera, binoculars or telescope need a solar filter fitted to the front of the optics; eclipse glasses are not enough behind these instruments.
- During the partial phases: sunscreen, a hat and covering clothes.

## Frequently asked questions

### At what time is the total eclipse visible in Luxor and Tangier?

In Luxor, maximum is at about 13:05 local time, with totality of about 6 min 20 s. In Tangier, at about 8:47 local time, with about 4 min 50 s. On the day, Egypt is 2 hours ahead of London and Morocco 1 hour behind London.

### Are special glasses needed during totality?

ISO 12312-2 glasses are essential during the partial phases. You can remove them only during totality, when the Sun's disc is fully covered, and put them back as soon as the Sun reappears.

### Where is totality longest?

In the Egyptian desert west of the Nile (26°48.8' N, 31°08.0' E): 6 min 23 s. Luxor, near the centre line, is within a few seconds of it.

### What time will it be in Morocco on eclipse day?

GMT, 1 hour behind London. Some calculation sites still show Morocco's former time (UTC+1): take one hour off their local times.