When will the longest total solar eclipse of this century occur?

WEB DESK: A rare celestial event, the longest and most complete solar eclipse of the 21st century, is set to take place on August 2, 2027, plunging parts of three continents into daytime darkness for several minutes, according to NASA and global astronomical forecasts.

The total eclipse will begin over the Atlantic Ocean and move eastwards, casting its shadow across parts of southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. Countries including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt will experience near-complete darkness during the day as the moon fully obscures the sun.

The eclipse will then be visible in portions of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and other Gulf countries before reaching parts of Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, and the UAE. In Pakistan, skywatchers will witness a partial eclipse, with the event still expected to offer a spectacular visual experience.

According to NASA, the eclipse will last six minutes and 23 seconds at its peak, the longest total solar eclipse since 1991. The next eclipse of comparable duration will not occur until 2114.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, completely blocking sunlight and briefly turning day into night.