Are you preparing for the “eclipse of the century”? Once the news spreads the historic total solar eclipse of August 2, 2027it’s a safe bet that thousands of eclipse chasers will be planning a trip in the path of totality.
Perhaps the biggest attraction of this monument solar eclipse is the duration of totality, which will reach 6 minutes 23 seconds. Potential viewing locations will attract many spectators, with ancient Egyptian temples and Roman ruins in the totality’s path. And who can ignore the excellent weather outlook? While clouds can often block eclipses, this is unlikely to happen on August 2, 2027, because in some locations there is almost no chance of clouds.
Related: Where will the 2027 total solar eclipse be visible on August 2?
The price is darkness during the day and the chance to see the solar corona with the naked eye, but only if you are in the right place at the right time.
The entire route, 258 kilometers wide, will cross Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somaliland, Somalia and the Chagos Islands, throwing nearly 89 million people under the moon. shady shade.
Here are 10 best tips for planning your total solar eclipse experience.
1. Expect high temperatures
It will be a very, very hot experience. As the moon’s shadow sweeps across the earth, temperatures will drop significantly. Such will be the scorching heat on the path of totality, from southern Spain to Arabia, and cold temperatures during totality will likely be one of the main features of this eclipse. However, count on temperatures around 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41 degrees Celsius). It’s no wonder that almost every tourist group planning to visit Luxor, Egypt, will view the eclipse from air-conditioned five-star hotels.
2. Know the weather probabilities
It is extremely rare for a path of totality to pass through regions of the planet where clouds are almost impossible. Yet that is exactly what will happen on August 2, 2027. If you want a cloud-free experience, head to anywhere in the interior of Egypt (including Siwa Oasis, Luxor and anywhere else on the Nile on the way), or take a cruise. ship that plans to observe in the Mediterranean off the coast of Libya.
However, the entire path to totality will not be cloudless. The Atlantic Ocean will likely be covered in clouds – ruling out a stress-free cruise from the Azores or Madeira, Portugal – as will the Strait of Gibraltar and northern Morocco.
3. Think about Egypt
Egypt is expected to be the hot spot for this eclipse, and many North American eclipse chasers may not consider traveling there. Yes, Egypt is far away and is in an unpredictable region. However, tourism is a thriving industry in Egypt, with almost 12 million visitors in 2022 and around 15 million in 2024.
Most visits go smoothly. However, it is important to note that Americans may want to be careful, as the The US State Department sometimes advises against travel to Egypt. Whether you choose to travel independently or opt for a tour package, there are plenty of opportunities to have an enjoyable stay in Egypt.
4. Don’t forget Spain
Spain will experience two total solar eclipses during a single lunar year, with totality in its North on August 12, 2026, and in the southern region of Andalusia on August 2, 2027. The second of these two eclipses will have the longest totality and the greatest chance of clear skies. Spain is north of the midline of this eclipse, but longer totalities will occur further south in the country you are traveling to. Note these durations of totality:
- Cadiz (2 minutes 46 seconds)
- Malaga (1 minute 56 seconds)
- Ronda (1 minute 17 seconds)
- Marbella (3 minutes 17 seconds)
- Los Alcornocales Natural Park (3 minutes and 50 seconds)
- Algeciras (4 minutes and 26 seconds)
- Guadalmesí Tower (4 minutes and 38 seconds)
- Baelo Claudia (4 minutes and 31 seconds)
- Tarifa (4 minutes 39 seconds)
5. Have a whole Tatooine
In addition to crossing the Western Desert in Egypt, the path of totality will pass through the Tunisian desert, home to some “Star Wars” film sets. Near Tozeur, Tunisia, are the sets of Mos Espa (2 minutes, 4 seconds) and “Star Wars Canyon”; 3 minutes 9 seconds) in Sidi Bouhlel. Lars Homestead from the original “Star Wars” movie is just south of the path.
6. See the Milky Way
Solar eclipses are the perfect travel event for anyone who loves observe the stars And astronomy. By definition, solar eclipses occur during new Moon, when the night sky is without moonlight. If you settle in the cloudless Western Desert in Egypt, you will have fabulous views of the Milky Way the nights before and after the August 2 eclipse.
7. Wait for the Perseids
As a bonus, the Perseid meteor shower will take place from July 17 to August 24, 2027. It will peak on the night of August 12 and the morning of August 13 during a waxing gibbous moon. However, because the shower’s “shooting stars” are so bright, it may be worth staying in desert regions for another 10 days after the eclipse. Wadi Rum in Jordan, a relatively easy trip from North Africa, is popular for stargazing against dark skies.
8. Watch out for clouds in Gibraltar
The British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar, just a short flight from the UK, will appeal to many. It is dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 426 meter high limestone ridge which seems, in theory, to be a fabulous place to view totality. It even has observation decks (and Barbary macaques). However, “The Rock” also generates its own clouds and rain. The “Levanter” can appear at any time and brings distinctly non-summer weather.
9. Prepare your camera
This will be a very popular eclipse to photograph. With so much time spent in so many places, few people will be able to resist the urge to capture an eclipsed sun. Many others plan to spend a few minutes photographing the eclipse and enjoying it with the naked eye.
There are, however, some things to think about and precautions to take. This will be a very high eclipse, so expect to lie down on the ground if you want to take a close-up with a telephoto lens. (From Luxor, the eclipse will occur at 82 degrees, which is almost directly above.)
Remember your solar viewing kit including solar filters designed to secure your camera for observing the sun.
Related: How to Observe the Sun Safely (And What to Look for)
Keep your camera in the shade until full and place it in a camera bag when moving between extreme heat and an air-conditioned hotel room, which can cause condensation on the lens. Use a weather-tight cover to keep dust and sand out. For more advice, check out our guides on how to photograph a solar eclipse And how to photograph an eclipse with a smartphone.
10. Don’t ignore the Nile
Many dedicated eclipse chasers will travel to Luxor, Egypt via a Nile cruise or to stay in a hotel. After all, that’s where the maximum length of totality is, and clear skies are virtually guaranteed. It is obvious. Where is it? Other locations are also attractive and may be less crowded.
For example, the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo will experience more than five minutes of totality. Both are a short drive from Aswan, a beautiful destination just beyond the southern edge of the path of totality.