Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, will experience a total solar eclipse on August 2, 2027, with the Moon completely blocking the Sun for four minutes and 32 seconds. The event, dubbed the “eclipse of the century,” will also be visible from parts of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, North Africa, and southern Spain.
UK Misses Full Spectacle in Recent Eclipse
The eclipse on Wednesday was the most significant seen from the UK since 1999, with more than 90% of the Sun obscured by the Moon at its peak. While parts of Spain and Iceland were plunged into darkness as the eclipse reached totality, the UK was left just short of the full spectacle.
Travel Options for Brits
For Brits considering making the trip, Gibraltar is easily accessible by air, with flights to Gibraltar International Airport available from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, and Bristol through British Airways and easyJet. It is also possible to reach Gibraltar from Spain by road or rail, making it an option for those planning a wider trip through southern Spain.
Viewing Spots and Expert Insight
Gibraltar Eclipse says visitors could watch the event from sea level at Casemates Square, Queensway Quay, or Ocean Village, while those wanting a more elevated view could head to the Skywalk in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve. “Whether you decide to watch the eclipse at sea level from Casemates Square, Queensway Quay or even Ocean Village Resort you are guaranteed the experience of a lifetime,” the organisation says. “Another option to get a little closer to the action could be The Skywalk in the upper rock nature reserve. Whatever your choice of eclipse viewing destination, you will enjoy a day you will never forget.”
Dr Ryan French, a solar astrophysicist at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder, Colorado, described next year's event as the longest eclipse remaining in our lifetimes. He said: “Next year's solar eclipse will actually be the longest eclipse in the remainder of our lifetimes.” He also suggested that weather conditions could make the event particularly favourable for eclipse chasers. “Crucially, the weather in August all the way along the eclipse path is pretty much guaranteed to be sunny because a lot of it is desert,” he said.
