Solar Eclipse on August 2: Will US witness the awe-inspiring celestial spectacle? NASA shares crucial tips

A remarkable total solar eclipse will darken the skies over parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East on August 2, 2027. This isn’t a regular eclipse, with totality extending up to a remarkable six minutes and 23 seconds. It promises to be one of the most significant celestial occurrences of the century.

While total solar eclipses are mostly fascinating, the August 2027 event stands out for its exceptional length. Most total eclipses offer only a brief glimpse of the sun’s corona, often for less than three minutes. However, according to space.com, the upcoming eclipse breaks this norm, making it the longest total solar eclipse visible from land between 1991 and 2114.

ALSO READ: Coldplay concert row: Astronomer's new CEO to get whopping salary after Andy Byron's resignation? Here's the truth

Solar Eclipse in 2027: What is the date and time?

The total solar eclipse will occur on Monday, August 2, 2027, during the early to mid-afternoon hours, depending on your location. The 2027 eclipse will not be visible in many parts of the world, including North and South America, according to a TOI report. Observers in these regions may not witness any part of the eclipse or will only experience a minor partial eclipse.

How should you watch solar eclipse?

NASA has shared some tips for sky gazers and enthusiasts for this awe-inspiring celestial phenomenon that will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for millions of people across continents. The way to safely view an annular eclipse and a total solar eclipse is different, the world's largest space agency says.

-Eclipse Eye Safety: It is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face. Viewing any part of the bright Sun through a camera lens, binoculars, or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.

ALSO READ: Dylan Dreyer-Brian Fichera divorce: Did 'Today' show host drop red flags before separation?

-Eye safety for annual eclipses: When you are watching annular solar eclipse directly with your eyes, you must look through safe solar viewing glasses (“eclipse glasses”) or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times.

Always inspect your eclipse glasses or handheld viewer before use; if torn, scratched, or otherwise damaged, discard the device. Always supervise children using solar viewers.

-View the Sun through eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer during the partial eclipse phases before and after totality.

-Do not use eclipse glasses or handheld viewers with cameras, binoculars, or telescopes. When viewing a partial or annular eclipse through cameras, binoculars, or telescopes equipped with proper solar filters, you do not need to wear eclipse glasses.

ALSO READ: Could ex-Astronomer CEO Andy Byron sue Coldplay after kiss cam controversy? Check details

-You can view the eclipse directly without proper eye protection only when the Moon completely obscures the Sun’s bright face – during the brief and spectacular period known as totality.

-As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright Sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the Sun.

-Even during a partial or annular eclipse, or during the partial phases of a total eclipse, the Sun will still be very bright. If you are watching an entire eclipse, you may be in direct sunlight for hours. Remember to wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing to prevent skin damage.