Rumors about a lengthy total solar eclipse may have been circulating online, but the so-called “eclipse of the century” isn’t for another two years.
A total solar eclipse lasting up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds at its peak is expected to occur on Aug. 2, 2027, according to NASA. The total solar eclipse, in which the moon moves perfectly between the sun and Earth and casts a shadow on Earth, will be one of the longest in several decades.
For a time comparison, the total solar eclipse that cut a path over Ohio on April 8, 2024, lasted 4 minutes and 28 seconds at its peak, per NASA. The solar eclipse of 1991, however, lasted 6 minutes and 53 seconds. Space.com reports the Aug. 2, 2027, eclipse will be the longest eclipse totality until 2114.
Will we be able to see the 2027 total solar eclipse in Ohio? Here’s what to know about the celestial event.
How long did the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse last in Ohio?
In Ohio, the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse cut a path from the southwest to the northeast, and lasted anywhere from under 1 minute and 30 seconds to nearly 4 minutes for cities in the path of totality.
When is the next solar eclipse?
The Aug. 2, 2027, solar eclipse isn’t actually the next total solar eclipse, though. The next one, on Aug. 12, 2026, will be visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia and parts of Portugal, according to NASA.
Will the Aug. 2, 2027, solar eclipse be visible in Ohio and the US?
A partial solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Maine between 5:14 and 5:19 a.m. ET on Aug. 2, 2027, according to Time and Date.
That is the closest this eclipse will get to Ohio.
Where will the solar eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027, be visible?
The solar eclipse’s path of totality will cross over parts of Africa, Europe and the Middle East, according to National Eclipse and NASA. That means Ohioans won’t be able to experience the “eclipse of the century” unless they travel.
Parts of the following countries are within the path of totality.
Other countries in Africa, Europe and the Middle East will have a partial view of the eclipse.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Total solar eclipse in 2027 will be special. Will it be seen from Ohio?
