Author Description

"On Monday, August 2, 2027, a total eclipse of the Sun will be visible from the Eastern Hemisphere. Although a partial eclipse will be seen from much of Europe, Africa, and South Asia the total phase in which the Moon completely covers the Sun (known as totality) will only be seen from within the narrow path of the Moon's umbral shadow as it sweeps cross ten countries: Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudia Arabia, Yemen and Somalia. The Guide for the Total Solar Eclipse of 2027 contains a comprehensive series of 20 full page maps of the path of totality across North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The large scale (1 inch ≈ 40 miles) shows major roads, towns and cities, rivers, lakes, and mountain ranges. Higher resolution maps (1 inch ≈ 20 miles) focus on selected areas of special interest along the path. The path of totality on each map clearly identifies the northern and southern limits as well as the central line. The total eclipse can only be seen inside this path. Gray lines within the path mark the duration of the total eclipse in 30 second steps. This makes it easy to estimate the length of totality from any location in the eclipse path. Circumstance tables for hundreds of cities provide times for each phase of the eclipse along with the duration of totality (or eclipse magnitude), and the Sun's altitude. Cloud statistics identify areas where the highest probability of clear sky may be found. We take look at the extraordinary Saros 136 series producing the longest total eclipses. Finally, a brief summary is included for all total solar eclipses through 2039."--