Parts of the Kingdom set for six-minute blackout as rare total solar eclipse arrives in August 2027.
Saudi Arabia is set to experience its first total solar eclipse in 77 years on August 2, 2027, in a rare celestial event expected to attract astronomers, photographers and skywatchers from across the globe.
The eclipse will mark the first time the phenomenon has crossed the Kingdom since 1952, when a total solar eclipse — later remembered by many as the “Year of Darkness” — briefly transformed daylight into darkness as the Moon completely covered the Sun.
Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, said the eclipse’s path of totality will begin above the Red Sea coast before passing through several cities and governorates in western and southwestern Saudi Arabia, including Mecca, Jeddah, Taif, Al Baha, Al Qunfudhah, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran.
Residents in other parts of the Kingdom will be able to observe a partial solar eclipse, with the level of coverage varying depending on location.
He said totality would transform daylight into twilight-like conditions, with temperatures expected to fall noticeably. Observers will also have the rare opportunity to see the Sun’s corona, along with some stars and planets becoming visible during the brief period of darkness.
Weather and climate expert Khaled Al Zaaq said the total eclipse phase could last up to five minutes and 55 seconds in some locations, making it one of the longest total solar eclipses visible in the region during the 21st century.
The event is also expected to provide spectacular views of rare eclipse phenomena, including the solar corona, the “diamond ring” effect and Baily’s beads.
