Western and southern regions of the Kingdom will be among the prime viewing locations, with totality expected to last nearly six minutes in some areas
Saudi Arabia is preparing for a remarkable astronomical event as a total solar eclipse crosses parts of the Kingdom’s western and southern regions, temporarily transforming daylight into darkness as the Moon completely blocks the Sun.
The phenomenon is expected to become one of the most significant astronomical observation events visible from the region, offering scientists, researchers and astronomy enthusiasts a rare opportunity to observe the solar corona and other phenomena that become clearly visible during totality.
Western and Southern Saudi Arabia Along the Eclipse Path
According to the Saudi Space Agency, the path of the total solar eclipse will cross extensive parts of western and southern Saudi Arabia, giving the Kingdom a strategically important position on the global astronomical observation map.
Residents and visitors in locations situated within the path are expected to experience a total eclipse, while other regions across the Kingdom will witness varying degrees of a partial solar eclipse.
Available information indicates that totality could last nearly six minutes in some southern locations, including Abha, while Jeddah and parts of the western coastline could experience approximately five minutes and 50 seconds of totality.
Temporary Darkness in Broad Daylight
During totality, the Moon completely covers the Sun as viewed from locations within the eclipse path, causing daylight levels to fall dramatically and creating a brief period of darkness.
These rare moments also reveal the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the solar corona, providing researchers with an important opportunity to conduct observations that are difficult or impossible under normal conditions.
Total solar eclipses also attract photographers, astronomy enthusiasts and travelers seeking to witness and document one of nature’s most spectacular celestial events.
Partial Eclipse Across Other Regions
The astronomical event will not be limited to areas experiencing totality.
Central, eastern and northern parts of Saudi Arabia are expected to witness a partial solar eclipse, with the percentage of the Sun obscured potentially reaching around 80 percent in some locations.
The exact duration, percentage of coverage and timing of the eclipse will vary according to the geographical coordinates of each city and governorate.
As a result, large parts of the Kingdom will be able to observe the event, although the dramatic experience of complete darkness will be limited to areas located directly within the path of totality.
A Major Opportunity for Scientific Observation
The relatively long duration of totality provides scientists and researchers with valuable time to observe the solar corona and study changes that occur in the surrounding environment when direct sunlight temporarily disappears.
Saudi Arabia’s geographical position along the eclipse path could also strengthen its role as a destination for astronomical observation, potentially attracting researchers, photographers and eclipse enthusiasts from the Kingdom and abroad.
Safety Warnings for Eclipse Viewing
The Saudi Space Agency has emphasized the importance of following strict safety guidelines when observing the eclipse, warning that looking directly at the Sun without appropriate protection can cause serious and potentially permanent eye damage.
Observers should use certified eclipse glasses or appropriate solar filters when using telescopes and other viewing equipment, particularly during the partial phases of the eclipse.
The rare celestial event is expected to place parts of Saudi Arabia among the world’s notable astronomical observation locations, offering residents and visitors a unique combination of scientific significance and natural spectacle that may not return to the same locations for many decades.
