Experience the Solar Eclipse in Morocco
On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Morocco will witness a significant solar eclipse, captivating viewers across the nation as they look towards the west in the evening. Although this phenomenon will be a total eclipse on a global scale, the path of totality will predominantly traverse northern regions such as Greenland, Iceland, and Spain, leaving Morocco outside this band. Consequently, no city within the kingdom will experience a complete obscuration of the sun; however, the spectacle promises to be nothing short of remarkable. In northern Morocco, over 90% of the solar disk will be obscured at the peak of the event. For instance, in Tangier, the eclipse will cover approximately 92% of the sun, while Fes will see about 90%, Rabat around 88%, and Casablanca close to 87%. Further south, Marrakech will experience a notable 83% obscuration, and Agadir will witness around 79% of the sun being covered.
When and How to Observe the Eclipse
The eclipse will commence in Morocco at approximately 18:44 local time, though the precise timing may differ slightly by region. The maximum obscuration will generally occur between 19:40 and 19:50, as the sun will already be relatively low on the horizon. Tangier will be among the first cities to experience the eclipse, starting around 18:44 with peak obscuration expected around 19:40, when about 92% of the solar disk will be hidden. In Fes, the event will begin around 18:47, reaching its maximum at around 19:42 with nearly 89.5% of the sun obscured. Similarly, Rabat will see the eclipse commence at approximately 18:47, with the maximum occurring around 19:43 and an obscuration of approximately 88.3%. In Casablanca, the initial effects will be noticeable starting at 18:48, peaking at about 19:43 with nearly 87% of the sun obscured. El Jadida will see the eclipse start around 18:49, with a maximum obscuration of about 85.7% around 19:44. Moving southward, Marrakech will observe the eclipse starting at 18:52, reaching its peak around 19:46 with nearly 83% obscuration, while Agadir will experience the beginning around 18:54 and a maximum around 19:49 with approximately 79% of the sun hidden.
It’s important to note that the sunset in Casablanca will occur around 20:20, just before the event concludes geometrically. This close timing to sunset adds a unique element to the eclipse viewing in Morocco. To fully enjoy this celestial event, it’s advisable to select a location with a clear view to the west, free from buildings or significant landscape obstructions.
As the eclipse unfolds, observers will see the moon gradually 'chip away' at the sun, transforming its appearance into an increasingly slender crescent, particularly stunning in the northern and northeastern regions of the country. However, it's essential to remember that 90% obscuration does not equate to 90% darkness; even when only a small portion of the sun remains visible, its brightness can still be intense. The ambient light may noticeably diminish and take on an unusual hue as the maximum approaches, but it will not create a full night experience as seen in areas within the path of totality.
The weather will also play a crucial role in the observation experience. Forecasts available on the morning of the event suggest favorable conditions across much of the Atlantic coastline, with cities like Casablanca and Rabat expected to enjoy largely clear skies early in the evening, as will Tangier and Agadir. In Fes, some cloud cover may occur, while conditions in Marrakech appear more uncertain, with a cloudy sky predicted towards the end of the day. In the Oriental region, particularly in Oujda, cloudiness may also intermittently hinder observation.
Crucially, it is vital to protect your eyes during this solar eclipse. The primary takeaway is that one should never look directly at the sun without appropriate protection. Unlike regions experiencing a total eclipse, Morocco will not have a moment where the sun is entirely obscured. Therefore, protective eyewear is necessary throughout the observation. NASA recommends using glasses specifically designed for solar observation that comply with international standard ISO 12312-2. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, will not adequately shield your eyes from solar radiation when gazing directly at the sun.
Additionally, the same caution applies to smartphones, cameras, binoculars, or telescopes; one should never observe the sun through optical instruments without a solar filter specifically designed for that purpose. The concentration of rays could lead to severe eye injuries and could also damage the equipment. In the absence of suitable glasses, indirect observation methods remain possible. A simple projection system using a small hole on a sheet or light surface can allow observers to track the progression of the eclipse without looking directly at the sun, and even the gaps between leaves of a tree can project multiple small solar crescents on the ground during the phenomenon.
Looking ahead, Moroccan observers will have a significant solar event to anticipate. On August 2, 2027, another total solar eclipse will directly pass over a part of Morocco. The path of totality will sweep through Northern Africa, including the kingdom, before continuing to Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, and the Arabian Peninsula. Cities like Tangier and parts of northern Morocco will find themselves in the path of the moon's shadow.
However, before this exceptional event arrives, the Moroccan sky will gift observers with a rare sight on Wednesday evening. For several minutes around 19:40 to 19:50, a substantial portion of the sun will vanish behind the moon, provided one observes with the proper protection.
As reported by laquotidienne.ma.
