Viral claim debunked: No, the world won’t go dark on August 2, 2025

Social media posts claiming that the Earth will be plunged into six minutes of total darkness on August 2, 2025, due to a solar eclipse have gone viral in recent days. Some posts label it a once-in-a-century event. However, scientists and space agencies have confirmed there is no solar eclipse scheduled for that date—neither total nor partial.

According to NASA and other astronomy experts, this viral claim is entirely false and seems to be based on confusion with a real but unrelated event.

What’s actually happening: August 2, 2027

The actual date of the major astronomical event is August 2, 2027, not 2025. On this day, a total solar eclipse will occur, visible across a narrow path cutting through parts of southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. It is expected to last up to 6 minutes and 23 seconds, making it the longest total solar eclipse visible on land in the 21st century.

Observers in cities like Cádiz, Tarifa, Luxor, and Jeddah will experience full totality. Outside this narrow strip, a partial eclipse will be visible across much of Europe, Africa, and South Asia.

Partial eclipse in Nepal

Nepal will witness only a minor partial eclipse on August 2, 2027. According to astronomical data:

• In Kathmandu, the eclipse will begin around 4:15 PM NST, peak at 4:50 PM, and end by 5:16 PM.
• Only about 2.48 percent of the Sun will be covered in Kathmandu.
• In southern regions like Malangwa, the coverage will be slightly higher, around 3.1 percent.

The dimming will be so slight that most people may not notice it without proper eclipse glasses.

Separating claim from reality

Experts believe the viral rumor likely stems from mixing up these two dates.

NASA’s safety warning

NASA and astronomy organizations continue to remind the public not to look at the Sun directly, even during a partial eclipse. Only ISO-certified eclipse glasses or approved solar viewers should be used. Safer alternatives include pinhole projectors and filtered telescopes.

What makes the 2027 eclipse special

The 2027 eclipse is unique because the Moon will be near its closest point to Earth (perigee) and the Earth will be near its farthest point from the Sun (aphelion). This combination makes the Moon appear slightly larger and the Sun slightly smaller, increasing the duration of totality.

Scientists plan to use this rare window to study the Sun’s corona, solar flares, and atmospheric reactions in more depth than usual.

The bottom line

There is no solar eclipse on August 2, 2025. The next major total solar eclipse occurs two years later, on August 2, 2027, with full visibility only in specific regions. In Nepal and most of South Asia, the event will be a minor partial eclipse. Experts recommend checking reliable sources like NASA or timeanddate.com before sharing viral astronomy claims.