Muscat: Dubbed the “Great North African Eclipse,” this celestial event is expected to draw millions as the Moon fully covers the Sun for more than double the usual eclipse duration. Most total solar eclipses last under three minutes, but this one will linger for over six, making it a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.

According to Space.com, between 1991 and 2114, no other total eclipse from land will last this long. The event’s extended duration is thanks to a rare cosmic alignment: Earth will be at aphelion (its farthest point from the Sun, making the Sun appear smaller), while the Moon will be at perigee (its closest point to Earth, making it appear larger). The result? A perfect cover and an unusually long blackout.

Adding to its rarity, the eclipse will pass near the equator, slowing the Moon’s shadow across Earth and extending the time of totality. Its path will sweep across:

Southern Spain

Northern Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia

Northeastern Libya and central Egypt

Northeastern Sudan

Southwestern Saudi Arabia and Yemen

Northern Somalia

It will exit over the Indian Ocean, passing the Chagos Archipelago, with the Moon’s shadow stretching up to 258 km wide.

While much of the Middle East and North Africa will be treated to the full eclipse, India will likely miss it. Only far western regions might catch a faint partial eclipse near sunset, meaning Indian skywatchers hoping to witness totality will need to travel west to Europe or Africa.

August weather in regions like Egypt and Libya tends to be clear and dry, offering excellent chances for unobstructed viewing.

The last total eclipse of this magnitude seen from land dates back to 743 BC, and while this one won’t break that record, it won’t be repeated until 2114 — making it a generational spectacle.