المملكة: Jeddah Astronomy: 500 days separate us from a rare total solar eclipse that will flood the city’s sky
explained Majed Abu Zahra, President of The Astronomical Society in Jeddah announced that the countdown has actually begun as of today, Friday, March 20, 2026, for one of the most prominent astronomical events of the twenty-first century, as there are only about 500 days remaining until the phenomenon of a total solar eclipse that will turn the day in the city of Jeddah into complete darkness in a rare sight.
He stated that noon on Monday, August 2, 2027, will witness the crossing of the moon’s shadow with remarkable precision over parts of the Arab world, falling Jeddah is in the heart of the path of the total eclipse, where The entire disk of the sun is behind the moon for a few minutes, and the daylight turns into something resembling deep dusk.
The peak of the eclipse in the sky of Jeddah
He pointed out that the peak of the eclipse in the sky of Jeddah will last approximately 5 minutes and 55 seconds, which is considered one of the longest periods available for observing a total eclipse during this century, which gives the city’s residents and visitors an exceptional opportunity to follow the event in an experience that will not be repeated until many decades later.
He added that the moment Completion will reveal unique visual phenomena that are only seen during Total eclipse, the most prominent of which is the solar corona, which is the thin outer corona of the sun that appears in the form of threads of light extending around the opaque disc, in addition to the phenomena of Bailey’s beads and the diamond ring, which appear as a quick flash on the edge of the moon as a result of its irregular surface topography, before the scene is completed in total darkness for a few minutes.
An optical phenomenon for study
He stressed that this event is not limited to being a dazzling visual phenomenon, Rather, it represents An important scientific opportunity to study the sun’s atmosphere in exceptional circumstances that are only available during a total eclipse, which makes it the focus of interest for astronomers, amateurs, and photographers from around the world.
He stressed the importance of early preparation to follow the event, whether by preparing monitoring and photographing tools, or using internationally approved eclipse glasses and filters to protect the eyes during the partial stages, warning of the dangers of looking directly at the sun without means of protection.
He expected that Jeddah and its surroundings would turn into a A global destination for astronomy enthusiasts, which requires early coordination of viewing sites and the organization of accompanying events, in preparation for receiving this unique cosmic event.
He concluded by emphasizing that the anticipated eclipse goes beyond being a passing astronomical phenomenon, to constitute an exceptional moment in which science meets astonishment, and in which the daytime sky turns into a rare cosmic theater.
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