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Solar eclipse in Rotterdam: how to watch the 2027 eclipse

On Monday 2 August 2027, you can see a partial solar eclipse from Rotterdam. The eclipse reaches its peak at around 11:04 am, when about 40% of the Sun’s visible surface is covered. Find out when to watch, where to get a clear view and how to enjoy this special natural event safely.

What is a solar eclipse and when can you see it?

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves between the Sun and the Earth, blocking some of the sunlight. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon completely covers the Sun as seen from a narrow strip on Earth. In a wider area around this strip, the Moon covers only part of the Sun.

European Space Agency (ESA)

On Monday 2 August 2027, the partial solar eclipse in Rotterdam begins at around 10:07 am. It reaches its peak at approximately 11:04 am, when almost 40% of the Sun’s visible surface is covered. The eclipse ends at around 12:03 pm. All times are local time in Rotterdam.

The Sun will not be completely covered when viewed from Rotterdam. At the peak of the eclipse, it will be in the south-east, about 43 degrees above the horizon. Choose an open spot with a clear view in that direction.

European Space Agency (ESA)

A total solar eclipse in southern Europe and North Africa

While Rotterdam will see a partial eclipse, the solar eclipse on 2 August 2027 will be total in other places. The area where the Moon completely covers the Sun passes through the far south of Spain and parts of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, before continuing towards the Middle East.

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon moves completely in front of the Sun. The sky becomes dark for a short time, and the Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, becomes visible around the Moon.

This eclipse is especially remarkable because of its length. In some places, the Sun will be completely covered for more than six minutes. This makes the 2027 eclipse one of the longest total solar eclipses of this century.

How to watch the solar eclipse safely

Never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection. This also applies when the Moon covers a large part of it.

Use reliable eclipse glasses designed for looking directly at the Sun that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard. Regular sunglasses do not offer enough protection.

Using a camera, binoculars or a telescope? Fit a suitable solar filter securely over the front of the lens or lenses. Eclipse glasses alone do not provide enough protection when using these devices.

In Rotterdam, the eclipse will remain partial throughout. Keep your eclipse glasses on whenever you look directly at the Sun.

Where can you watch the solar eclipse in Rotterdam?

For the 2027 eclipse, choose an open spot with a clear view towards the south-east. As the Sun will be fairly high in the sky at the peak of the eclipse, there are several suitable places in and around Rotterdam.

Frequently asked questions about the solar eclipse in Rotterdam

Want to know when the eclipse starts, where to watch and what eye protection you need? Find answers to frequently asked questions about the solar eclipse in Rotterdam below.

  • What time is the solar eclipse in Rotterdam?

    The partial solar eclipse begins on Monday 2 August 2027 at around 10:07 am. It reaches its peak at approximately 11:04 am and ends at around 12:03 pm. All times are local time in Rotterdam.

  • Will the solar eclipse be total in Rotterdam?

    No. Rotterdam will see a partial solar eclipse. At its peak, the Moon will cover about 40% of the Sun’s visible surface.

  • Where is the best place to watch the solar eclipse in Rotterdam?

    Choose an open spot with a clear view towards the south-east. At the peak of the eclipse, the Sun will be about 43 degrees above the horizon. A high viewing point or an open space by the water can be a good choice.

  • Can you watch the solar eclipse without eclipse glasses?

    No. In Rotterdam, part of the Sun will remain visible throughout the eclipse. Always use reliable eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 safety standard when looking directly at the Sun. Regular sunglasses are not enough.

  • What if it is cloudy?

    Thick cloud can make the eclipse difficult or impossible to see. Check the latest weather forecast before you set off. If possible, choose a location where the skies are more likely to clear.

  • Where will the 2027 solar eclipse be total?

    The total solar eclipse will be visible in the far south of Spain and parts of North Africa and the Middle East. The area where the Moon completely covers the Sun includes parts of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.

  • What makes the 2027 solar eclipse special?

    The total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027 will last an unusually long time. At the location where the total eclipse lasts longest, the Moon will completely cover the Sun for about 6 minutes and 23 seconds. You will not see this total eclipse from Rotterdam, but you can still watch a clear partial solar eclipse.

  • When is the next solar eclipse visible in Rotterdam?

    The next solar eclipse visible in Rotterdam is on Monday 2 August 2027. If the skies are clear, you can watch the Moon cover part of the Sun that morning. At the peak of the eclipse, about 40% of the Sun’s visible surface will be covered.

    After that, another partial solar eclipse will be visible from Rotterdam on Wednesday 26 January 2028. Always use suitable eclipse glasses when looking directly at the Sun.

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