Solar-Eclipse-on-August-2Will-it-Bring-6-Minutes-of-DarknessNASA-Debunks-Viral-Myth

NASA Debunks August 2 Solar Eclipse Myth: Real Eclipse of the Century Coming in 2027

The rumors that the world will go dark for six minutes on August 2, 2025, due to a rare total solar eclipse have turned out to be a hoax. Social media posts claim that it will be the last 'Eclipse of the Century' for a hundred years, but NASA has set things right. 

The real event called Eclipse of the Century will take place on August 2, 2027, and it will be one of the most exciting astronomical occurrences seen over the last few decades.

The Viral Urban Legend vs. NASA Facts

Social media discussions have circulated on TikTok, X (Twitter), and Facebook concerning mistaken information for a worldwide blackout on August 2, 2025. Notably, NASA and leading astronomers say this is false information. This is likely due, in part, to confusing the 2027 eclipse as a world interaction event. Certainly, it will be historic: 6 minutes and 23 seconds, which has not occurred from land since 1991. 

Key Facts:

  • Eclipse in 2025: The next partial solar eclipse occurs on September 21, 2025, and will only be visible from parts of Australia, Antarctica, and the Pacific. 
  • 2027 is the Eclipse of the Century: The Moon’s shadow will transect Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East on August 2, 2027, and this eclipse will have the longest totality of the century. 
  • What makes the 2027 eclipse special: Earth will be at aphelion, so the Sun will appear smaller, and the Moon will be at its closest distance, which adds duration to the darkness. 

Where to Experience the 2027 Eclipse

The path  (a narrow strip that is 160 miles wide) will cross 11 countries, including:

  • Spain (Cádiz, Tarifa)
  • Egypt (Luxor, which will have the longest totality)
  • Saudi Arabia and Morocco are countries, and Libya is in the middle of the path outlining the solar eclipse. 

While in some regions like Europe, a partial eclipse will be seen, in others in Africa, and nowhere in North America will an eclipse be witnessed.

Pro tip: Use NASA’s eclipse maps to find the exact times and locations for the best viewing experience. 

Safe Solar Viewing: Eclipse Safety Essentials 

Relevant to the partial eclipse of 2025 and the total eclipse of 2027, safety comes first! Users are advised to never view the sun directly with their naked eyes or with bare eye vision, especially during partial phases.

  • The use of ISO-certified eclipse glasses is recommended (regular sunglasses will not work).  
  • Use the pinhole viewer mentioned below.
  • Livestream the event if they are outside the viewing range.  

Skip the Hype, Plan for 2027’s Once-in-a-Lifetime Eclipse

Although the rumor of the solar eclipse on August 2, 2025, has been put to rest, it is certainly worth your time to mark the 2027 eclipse date on your calendar. This eclipse boasts an enormous totality time and will be visible from several very notable areas, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for even the most active of avid skywatchers. The eclipse will be visible along a 160-mile-wide path the distance which is stretching 9,462 miles, crossing 11 countries.