According to a rumor spread online, the world will be darkened for six full minutes on Tuesday, August 2. It’s not true. At least, not this year.
While darkness won’t fall in August this year, a significant solar eclipse is scheduled to occur on Aug. 2, 2020. This event has been dubbed the “eclipse of the century.” It is likely that this confusion has spread online. The moon will completely block the sun on Aug. 2, 2027 for up to 6 minutes and 22 second, the longest totality period over land in the 21st Century and since 1991.
The total eclipse in April 2024 that crossed North America lasted 4 minutes and 28 second, which is long enough for a total eclipse but less than anticipated for 2027.
Solar eclipses occur when the Earth, the Moon, and the Sun align, so that the shadow of the Moon falls on the Earth’s surface, allowing us the opportunity to watch the moon move in front of it. Total solar eclipses occur when the moon completely blocks the light from the sun. People in the path of totality can experience darkness throughout the day.
The next eclipse expected to last more than the eclipse of August 2, 2027 will take place on July 16th, 2114. That’s 87 years and a good way into the 22nd century. The path of totality will also be wider than normal, measuring 160 miles, as the moon is at its closest point to Earth.
Eleven countries, including Spain and Gibraltar will be on the path of totality. These include Morocco, Algeria Tunisia, Libya Egypt Sudan, Saudi Arabia Yemen, Somalia, and Gibraltar. Some countries in Africa, Europe, or southern Asia will see partial eclipses. North America is not going to be able to see this eclipse, as it will not be visible in the U.S.
A partial solar eclipse is scheduled for Sept. 21, which will be a great opportunity for eclipse enthusiasts to see the eclipse without waiting until 2027. Fiji, Tahiti New Zealand and other Pacific Ocean locations will be able view 80 percent the sun being eclipsed by the lunar light.
