- A total solar eclipse will darken parts of Saudi Arabia on August 2, 2027, with the sun fully covered for a few minutes along the path of totality.
- Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) will fall dark during the eclipse, with totality lasting around 5 minutes there.
- An eclipse of this length over land will not happen again until 2114.
Saudi Arabia will experience a total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027. Along the path of totality, the moon will fully block the sun, turning daytime into near darkness for a few minutes before the sky returns to normal, announced by Chief Astronomer Abdullah Al Khudairy.
A total solar eclipse on Dhu al-Hijjah 29, 1449 AH will be the first in 77 years.
What Happens During the Eclipse
As the moon covers the sun, the sky darkens and the temperature drops. The sun’s outer edge, known as the solar corona, becomes visible, and some bright stars and planets can be seen in the daytime sky.
Birds and animals may also show a temporary change in behaviour during the darkness.
Where the Eclipse Will Be Seen
Jeddah and Mecca both fall within the path of totality. Jeddah will see totality lasting 6 minutes and 1 second, while Mecca will see 5 minutes and 5 seconds of totality, meaning Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque) will fall dark during the event.
How the eclipse appears elsewhere depends on how close a location is to the path of totality.
| Eclipse Type | Map Color | What You’ll See |
|---|---|---|
| Total eclipse | Red / Pink | Sun fully covered, sky turns dark for a few minutes |
| Strong partial eclipse | Orange | Large part of the sun covered |
| Over 50% coverage | Yellow | More than half the sun’s disc covered |
| Weak partial eclipse | White / pale yellow | Less than 50% coverage, weaker further from the path |
Medina (Madinah) is not included in the path of totality (the pink/red band).
A Rare Event for the Century
The August 2, 2027 eclipse will reach a maximum duration of 6 minutes and 23 seconds, making it one of the longest total solar eclipses of the current century.
This will be the longest total solar eclipse since 2009 and until 2114. According to Dr. Khalid Al-Zaaq, a total solar eclipse on this date, corresponding to 29 Safar 1449H, has not occurred in 77 years.
A Previous Eclipse in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia last saw a solar eclipse on Friday, January 15, 2010 (29 Muharram 1431H), at around 9 a.m.
The moment was marked by the call to prayer from muezzin Sheikh Farouk Hadrawi and a recitation by Sheikh Khalid Al-Ghamdi.
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