Witness A Solar Eclipse

The adventure

For the first hour, a total eclipse is just strange. Through eclipse glasses you watch the moon take an ever-larger bite out of the sun, while the light around you turns thin and silvery and the air gets cooler. Shadows sharpen, birds go quiet and the crowd falls silent.

Then it happens fast. A wall of darkness races across the landscape towards you, the last bead of sunlight flashes like a diamond ring, and suddenly the sun is gone. In its place hangs a black disc surrounded by the pearly streamers of the corona, with pink flames flickering at the edge. Bright planets and stars appear, and the whole horizon glows orange like a sunset in every direction. For a few minutes you can look with your own eyes, and nobody wants it to end.

Why it’s epic

On 2 August 2027, totality near Luxor in Egypt will last up to about six minutes, one of the longest of the century.
The 2027 path crosses southern Spain, North Africa and the Middle East, putting it within reach of the UK.
During totality you can see the sun's corona, Baily's beads and the diamond ring effect with the naked eye.
The temperature can drop by several degrees as the moon's shadow passes over.

What it is

During a total solar eclipse, the moon completely covers the sun.

How to do it

Find the path of totality for upcoming eclipses, such as the long one across North Africa and Egypt on 2 August 2027.

Top tip

Use certified eclipse glasses for the partial phases.

Need to know

Look at the sun only through certified eclipse glasses, except during the brief moments of totality itself.
Hotels along the path of totality book up years ahead, and prices rise sharply as the date approaches.
Cloud is the big risk, so choose a place with good weather odds, such as Egypt, and stay flexible.

Do it yourself

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My experience

Solar eclipses are some of nature’s most dramatic celestial performances. Solar eclipses occur when the Earth, moon and sun are aligned in the same plane and the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, partially or completely covering our closest star.

There are four different types of solar eclipse;

Partial eclipse

Annular eclipse

Total Eclipse

Hybrid Eclipse