How to Safely Experience Saudi Arabia’s Eclipse of the Century: Viewing Equipment, Locations, and Photography Tips

In Saudi Arabia on August 2, 2027, a total solar eclipse will plunge a portion of the Kingdom in darkness for nearly six minutes, a sight more extraordinary than can be found anywhere else in the world that year. Nights in millions of homes, tourism and astronomy buffs alike are projected to gather along the path of totality as the Moon totally hides the Sun. Planning ahead is key to having an enjoyable and safe experience and to taking great photos.

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Why Is the 2027 Eclipse So Special?

The eclipse will cover the Western part of Saudi Arabia, making it one of the longest to see totality in the world. In this short time the sky will darken, the Sun’s corona will be seen without the aid of telescopes, and temperatures may drop. This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for many observers as it will be a very long total eclipse.

Protect Your Eyes with Certified Equipment

Always put safety in front of the visual appeal of the eclipse and remember to never look at the Sun. The color, dark or otherwise, of the sunglasses in no way protects against damaging solar radiation. During the partial phases of the eclipse, always wear eclipse glasses that have met the International safety standard, ISO 12312-2:2015.

Look for scratches and damage on eclipse glasses prior to use. An easy life test for verification of authenticity will help it should be possible to read the normal household objects while wearing them. It’s safe to take off the glasses during the duration of full totality, but the glasses should be put back on as soon as the sun starts reappearing in the sky in the few minutes of totality.

Best Places to Watch the Eclipse

There are many great spots for viewing Eclipse in Saudi Arabia. Taif will enjoy one of the longest periods of totality with nearly 6 minutes and superb mountain viewing.

The cooler weather and terrain of Abha and the Asir Highlands are perfect for those seeking and keen to take photographs. Nearly six minutes of totality, excellent transport and hotel facilities make Jeddah an ideal location, and the region around Makkah is also within the eclipse path with local restrictions in place.

Photography Tips for the Perfect Eclipse Shot

For the partial phases, be sure to have a solar filter equipped to your camera or telescope or at the front of the scope to not only protect your equipment, but your vision and eyes. One of the telephoto lens range (400-600mm) is appropriate for close-ups of the Sun while the wide angle lens is good for the scenic environs as well as the dramatic sky.

With the onset of totality, remove the solar filter and take pictures of the solar corona. Exposure bracketing (short and long exposures) will give you the best success in capturing the bright inner corona, as well as the enigmatic outer streamers. Be sure to put the filter back in place as soon as totality is over.

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