Totality · 2 August 2027 · Luxor
Totality over Luxor, 2 August 2027
6m 23s
At midday on 2 August 2027, the Moon covers the Sun over Luxor for six minutes and twenty-three seconds. No longer totality will cross land for another eighty-seven years.
Totality. Photo: Iceland Eclipse Media Team
Why this one
The longest since 2009, and until 2114
Most total eclipses give a few minutes at best. The 2024 eclipse across North America gave most viewers under four and a half. Over Luxor, the shadow lingers for more than six.
Longest totality on each eclipse's path
| Eclipse | Date | Longest totality |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 21 August 2017 | 2m 40s (160 seconds) |
| North America | 8 April 2024 | 4m 28s (268 seconds) |
| Iceland and Spain | 12 August 2026 | 2m 18s (138 seconds) |
| Egypt | 2 August 2027 | 6m 23s (383 seconds) |
Where the shadow falls
Across North Africa, longest over Luxor
The Moon's shadow enters land at the Strait of Gibraltar and crosses North Africa and Arabia toward the Indian Ocean. On 2 August it tracks near the equator at close to the Earth's own rotational speed, so it lingers, and Upper Egypt is where it lingers longest.
Luxor sits almost exactly on the centre line, and early August is the driest, clearest part of the Egyptian year. Historical cloud cover over Upper Egypt in August is close to zero. Few places on the path combine that much duration with that little weather risk.
- SpainGibraltar strait
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Libya
- EgyptLongest, near Luxor
- Saudi Arabia
- Yemen
- SomaliaOut to the Indian Ocean
Where we watch
The West Bank, looking toward the Theban hills
We are holding private land on the West Bank near the Colossi of Memnon. The ship moors at Luxor, the hotels sit a short walk away, and everyone meets on the same ground. The exact site is shared as the gathering approaches.
Sunrise over the West Bank, where we gather. Photo: Filip Crantz
2 August, on the grounds
Luxor local time (UTC+3), for the West Bank near the Colossi of Memnon. Times vary by a few seconds across Luxor.
- 11:40First contact
The Moon first touches the Sun and the partial phase begins. Glasses on.
- 13:01Second contact
The diamond ring, then totality: six minutes and twenty-three seconds of darkness. Glasses off.
- 13:08Third contact
The diamond ring returns on the other side and the light comes back. Glasses on.
- 14:26Fourth contact
The Moon leaves the Sun. The eclipse is over, and the feast begins in the shade.
Illustration
Watching safely
Eclipse glasses stay on through every partial phase. Only once the Sun is fully covered is it safe to look with the naked eye, and the glasses go back on the moment the diamond ring returns. Certified glasses are provided to everyone.
Illustration
Layers of shadow
At midday the Moon's shadow falls over the grounds, and for six minutes the light and the heat drop away. For the rest of the day we make our own shade: sails and palms, misting fans, water, and cool drinks throughout. August in Luxor is hot and dry, so mornings are for temples and the long afternoon is for rest and the feast.
Luxor Temple, with totality composited above it.
Included in every pathway
The Luxor Eclipse Gathering
About thirty-six hours on the West Bank around totality, hosted by Egyptian, Nubian, and North African wisdom keepers, with Indigenous elders from around the world beside them. Every pathway arrives here: the ships, the hotels, and those with their own place to stay.
Reverent and joyful. Come as you are, and dress for the heat. One still moment at totality, with music, food, and laughter around it.
- 1 Aug · duskThe New Moon ceremony
Every pathway together for the first time. The circle opens.
- 2 Aug · middayTotality
Six minutes and twenty-three seconds, together on the West Bank.
- 2 Aug · afterThe feast and the celebration
Long tables in the shade, then music through the night.
- 3 Aug · morningSend-off
A brunch together before everyone goes their way.