Chasing Eclipses

Total solar eclipse in Qena

Qena is inside the path of totality on 2 August 2027. The Sun will be completely covered from 13:01:25 to 13:07:39 local time (UTC+3).

6m 15sof totality

Partial eclipse begins11:39:46
Totality13:01:25 to 13:07:39
Partial eclipse ends14:25:39
Local time (UTC+3). The whole eclipse lasts about 2 h 46 min, and totality is the dark band in the middle.

Eclipse times in Qena

Partial eclipse begins11:39:46
Totality begins13:01:25
Maximum eclipse13:04:32
Totality ends13:07:39
Partial eclipse ends14:25:39
Duration of totality6m 15s
Sun’s height at maximum81°
Sun’s direction at maximum195° (SSW)

Local time, UTC+3, for the town centre at 26.1551, 32.7160. Times can shift by a few seconds across town. How we calculate.

Where to look

The Sun will be very high, 81° above the horizon and slightly to the south-south-west, so almost any open space works, including courtyards and hotel roofs. The challenge is heat rather than the view: you will be looking almost straight up in the early afternoon, so a reclining chair and shade before and after totality make a big difference.

Watching the eclipse in Qena

Qena is the gateway to the Temple of Dendera, one of the best preserved temples in Egypt, which has carvings of the sky goddess Nut.

Getting to Qena

Qena is about an hour by road from Luxor and is on the main Nile Valley railway.

Questions about the eclipse in Qena

Is Qena in the path of totality?
Yes. Qena is inside the path of the total solar eclipse of 2 August 2027, so the Sun will be completely covered.
How long will totality last in Qena?
About 6m 15s, from 13:01:25 to 13:07:39 local time (UTC+3), calculated for the town centre.
Where in the sky will the eclipse be seen from Qena?
During totality the Sun will be 81 degrees above the horizon towards the south-south-west. Choose a spot with a clear view in that direction.
When should I put my eclipse glasses on and take them off?
Wear them from 11:39:46, when the partial eclipse begins. Take them off only at 13:01:25, when the Sun is completely covered, and put them back on at 13:07:39, as soon as the first bright point of sunlight returns.

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