Global blackout from Solar Eclipse? Rumor or Truth, what to happen on Aug 2

What is Solar Eclipse?

Solar Eclipse is an event which is intriguing to skywatchers and astronomy experts along with a topic of curiosity among common people. A solar eclipse happens when the moon comes in between the sun and earth, blocking the view of the sun. Only the outer atmosphere of the sun, which is the Corona and its coronal streamers, are visible. 
The moon partially or completely covers the sun’s disk. 

Solar eclipse on 2 August, two years later. 

According to several claims on social media platforms the entire world is to go dark for 6 minutes due to the solar eclipse on August 2, 2025, with speculations of this phenomenon being “once in a 100 years”. Well, experts have labelled this hoax. They affirmed there will be no such thing like a total black out. Therefore, the claims are false, though not completely baseless. 

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An event is to take place with a rare total solar eclipse with effects falling on certain parts of the world, including western parts of India, but not this year but two years later on the exact date i.e, 2 Aug. Social Media is flooded with panic triggering comments and videos claiming the phenomenon as unusual ones and being a possible threat of some sort, Which certainly not as it is. 

Instead, experts have explained that the moon's shadow will fall over parts such as north africa, middle east, europe with some parts of southern asia creating a breath-taking astronomical Occurrence. Solar eclipse happens when the moon passes through the path between Sun and earth, hindering the view of the sun. 

Experts argue that witnessing the solar eclipse without proper equipment such as eye wear or binoculars, can lead to serious eye damage and lasting effects along with psychological consequences such as sudden mood shifts and restlessness as our circadian rhythm gets interrupted during the solar eclipse. 

Supposed to last 6 minutes and 22 seconds 

The solar eclipse is termed as the “Eclipse of the century” as it is predicted to serve the longest duration of darkness on the earth. It is one of the longest solar eclipses of the 21st Century and an outstanding opportunity to observe cosmic events and learn more on such occurrences. 
After the solar eclipse that took place in 1991 this is the one that is predicted to succeed. 

• With visibility in countries like Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan , Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia. In total 11 countries will witness the rare astronomical event. 
• India will witness the occurrence as well but not entirely with shadow falling on western and northwestern states.
• The eclipse is set to encircle  around 15, 227 kilometers of earth’s surface, which is a tiny portion. 
• During this event, the moon is at the closest point to earth (perigee) and sun is at the farthest point (aphelion).

Solar Eclipse of 2025 To Occur on Sep 21 

The much awaited Solar Eclipse is to happen on sep 21 this year, wherein the moon would partially cover a portion of the sun like a crescent moon with experts calling it “Ring Of Fire” . This event will not be visible in India.
Can be seen in New Zealand, Eastern Australia, the Pacific Islands and Antarctica.

How to watch the solar eclipse 

Watching the solar eclipse with naked eyes is strictly prohibited as it can severely damage your eyes with lasting effects on your overall health. People are advised to view the event taking appropriate measures. Children may watch only under the presence of Guardians. It is advised that the glasses are ISRO and ISO approved. 

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Points to be Noted 

• Social media speculations of Solar Eclipse creating total blackout in the earth is false. 
• The Solar Eclipse of the century is to occur on 2 Aug, 2027 which will last for 6 Minutes and 22 Seconds.
• Experts have labelled it as the “Eclipse of the Century” 
• The Solar Eclipse is set to cover 11 countries. India does not fall into this category as only certain parts may witness it especially in western and northwestern. 
• The solar eclipse of the year 2025 is set to take place on September 21. 
• It is advised to take precautions before watching the Solar Eclipse.