The 2027 total solar eclipse will plunge these 10 ancient Egyptian temples and monuments into darkness

The total solar eclipse on Aug.

2, 2027, has an ancient feel.

It will certainly be a celestial event for the ages — at 6 minutes 23 seconds, it will feature the longest totality on land of the 21st century and the longest anywhere until 2114.

However, its point of greatest eclipse occurs just a few miles from Thebes, the magnificent religious and political capital of ancient Egypt's Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom.

On the east bank of the mighty Nile is Luxor, the great city of the living, with its massive temple complexes of Karnak and Luxor.

On its west bank is the city of the dead, which includes the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut.

Modern Luxor, population 285,000, is set to become a focal point for eclipse chasers on Aug.

2, 2027, and will attract many thousands of international visitors.

They'll come for the forecasted 0% chance of clouds and the era-defining duration of totality, but also to tour ancient Egypt's temples and monuments.

The chances of actually witnessing totality at any of the major temples are probably slim.

Still, almost every eclipse chaser headed to Luxor will want to tour them before or after the eclipse.

Visitors should be prepared for extreme August heat and check official opening and access arrangements before planning to watch the eclipse at any archaeological site.

Certified eclipse glasses are essential during the partial phases; only during totality, when the sun is completely covered, is it safe to look without them.

Ancient monuments in the path of totality Not all of ancient Egypt will experience totality.