LONGEST SOLAR ECLIPSE TO PLUNGE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN TEMPLE INTO DARKNESS
The longest solar eclipse of the 21st century: which 10 ancient Egyptian temples will be in darkness
The total phase of the eclipse will last a full 6 minutes and 23 seconds.
The total solar eclipse , which will occur on August 2, 2027, promises to be truly special. It will go down in history as a true celestial event. Its total phase on land will last a whopping 6 minutes and 23 seconds, making it the longest total phase of the 21st century.And the longest anywhere in the world, until 2114. But the main highlight of this eclipse is its geography, writes Space.com . The point of its greatest eclipse is just a few kilometers from Thebes, the magnificent religious and political capital of ancient Egypt during the Middle and New Kingdoms.
On the east bank of the mighty Nile lies Luxor. It is the great “city of the living,” with its enormous temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor. And on the west bank lies the “city of the dead.”
It includes the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Modern-day Luxor, home to 285,000 people, will become a true “Mecca” for eclipse hunters on August 2, 2027, attracting thousands of international visitors.They’ll come for the predicted 0% chance of clouds—and for the remarkable duration of the total phase. But they’ll also be there to visit the temples and monuments of ancient Egypt.
The chances of seeing the total phase directly from one of the major temples are probably slim. However, almost every eclipse hunter who comes to Luxor will want to explore these temples either before or after the event. Visitors should be prepared for the extreme August heat.
Also, be sure to check official opening hours and access conditions before planning an eclipse viewing at any archaeological site.
During the partial eclipse phase, it’s essential to wear certified eclipse viewing glasses. Only during the total phase—when the Sun is completely obscured—can you view it without them.Ancient monuments on the path of the full phase
Not all of ancient Egypt will see the total phase. Egypt’s main monument, the Giza pyramids near Cairo, is located north of the path of totality. There, only a 95% partial eclipse will be observed. But Abu Simbel, on the shores of Lake Nasser south of Aswan, will see a 92% partial eclipse.But that’s no problem. After all, Luxor is home to some of the most impressive and well-preserved ancient monuments in the world. Here are its temples, necropolises, and palaces—as well as nearby sites, which also fall within the 257-kilometer-wide band of full lunar phase. The Moon’s shadow will fall across all these sites on August 2, 2027.
Karnak Temple
Luxor Temple
Valley of the Kings
Temple of Hatshepsut
Colossi of Memnon
Medinet Habu
Ramesseum
Temple of Khnum
Temple of Dendera
Temple of Horus
