Widespread rumors across social media claim that a total solar eclipse is happening today, August 2, 2025. But according to NASA and leading astronomy sources, there is no solar eclipse visible anywhere in the world today.
What sparked the solar eclipse rumors?
Millions of users on platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) have been sharing posts about a so-called “once in a century” eclipse that would darken the sky for more than six minutes on August 2. One viral article titled “The World to Go Dark for Six Minutes in August” helped fuel the confusion—but it omitted a crucial detail: the year.
In reality, the total solar eclipse everyone’s talking about won’t occur until August 2, 2027.
What’s actually happening on August 2, 2025?
There is no eclipse—total, partial, or annular—occurring today. NASA confirms that August 2, 2025, has no solar or lunar eclipse activity. The viral information circulating online is either misdated or misunderstood, referring instead to a major astronomical event set to happen two years from now.
So, when is the “eclipse of the century”?
The solar eclipse referred to in viral posts will happen on August 2, 2027. Here’s what makes that event noteworthy:
- It will be a total solar eclipse, where the moon completely covers the sun.
- The maximum duration of totality will be 6 minutes and 23 seconds—longer than the April 8, 2024 eclipse that lasted 4 minutes and 28 seconds.
- Though impressive, it won’t be the longest of the 21st century. That honor goes to the July 22, 2009 eclipse, which lasted 6 minutes and 39 seconds.
Where will the 2027 solar eclipse be visible?
The eclipse on August 2, 2027, will be visible across parts of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Countries within the path of totality include:
- Spain
- Morocco
- Algeria
- Tunisia
- Gibraltar
- Libya
- Sudan
- Egypt
- Saudi Arabia
- Yemen
- Somalia
A partial eclipse will be visible in some regions, including a small portion of Maine, between 5:14 and 5:19 a.m. ET, according to Time and Date.
What’s next for eclipse watchers?
Here are the upcoming eclipses to watch for before 2027:
- Sept. 21, 2025: Partial solar eclipse (visible in Australia, Antarctica, and surrounding oceans)
- Feb. 17, 2026: Annular solar eclipse (visible in Antarctica, parts of Africa, and South America)
- Aug. 12, 2026: Total solar eclipse (visible in Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and Portugal)
Although most of these won’t be visible from the U.S., the August 2027 eclipse will offer a spectacular view for those willing to travel abroad.
Key Takeaways
- There is no eclipse happening today, August 2, 2025.
- Viral claims are referring to the 2027 total solar eclipse.
- The next total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026, visible in parts of Europe.
- The “eclipse of the century” on August 2, 2027, will be one of the longest in decades.
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