A false claim has been circulating online stating that the entire world will go dark for 6 minutes on August 2, i.e. today due to a solar eclipse. Some posts on social media further claim that the phenomenon is one of the rare ones and will not occur for a century, generating curiosity and public fear. But experts have confirmed that it is a hoax. There is no global blackout coming in 2025. In fact, NASA’s astronomical records show the next total solar eclipse of such magnitude is scheduled for August 2, 2027, not 2025. Here’s what you need to know about the buzz around the celestial phenomenon
NASA records show no solar eclipse on August 2, 2025
According to NASA’s astronomical data, the next total solar eclipse of this magnitude will occur on August 2, 2027, not in 2025 as suggested by viral claims and rumours spreading online. Further, this event will be a significant celestial occurrence, but it will not darken the entire world.The eclipse will cast the Moon’s shadow over parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, creating a spectacular but localized event. The rest of the world, including North America and large parts of Asia, will not witness this eclipse at all.The August 2, 2027, total solar eclipse is being called the “Eclipse of the Century” because it will offer the longest duration of totality on land in the 21st century — lasting up to 6 minutes and 22 seconds, the longest since 1991.The path of totality—the area where the Sun will be completely blocked—will be about 160 miles (258 km) wide, stretching over 9,462 miles (15,227 km) and covering parts of 11 countries, including:
- Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Somalia.
For those within this path, the sky will briefly turn dark in broad daylight, creating a dramatic twilight effect. Areas outside this path may see a partial eclipse, but no blackout.
What happens during a total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon comes directly between the Earth and the Sun. As a result of this celestial movement, the Sun’s light is blocked, casting a shadow on parts of Earth. During totality, viewers see the Sun’s corona—its outer atmosphere—which is usually hidden by the Sun’s glare.Total solar eclipses are visible only from a narrow strip of land, and their duration is typically just a few minutes.
Next Solar eclipse on September 21, 2025
While no total eclipse will occur in 2025, a partial solar eclipse is expected on September 21, 2025. During this event, the Moon will partially obscure the Sun, making it appear as though a “bite” has been taken out of it.This partial eclipse will not cause darkness, nor will it be visible worldwide.
