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Australia, we’re officially less than two years away from one of the biggest celestial events of the century. On July 22, 2028, an incredibly rare and spectacular total solar eclipse will sweep across the continent as the moon perfectly aligns with the sun. Tracing a path from the Kimberley region in Western Australia through the Northern Territory, southwest Queensland and inland New South Wales before plunging Sydney into midday darkness, the total solar eclipse will be visible to more than 25 per cent of the Australian population.
With up to five minutes and ten seconds of total darkness in the Kimberley region – one of the longest periods of totality on Earth this century – this is a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon you cannot miss. Here’s everything you need to know about witnessing the 2028 total solar eclipse in Australia.
What is a total solar eclipse?
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the Earth and the sun, completely blocking the visible face of the sun for observers located along the path of totality. During the brief period of totality, the sky darkens as if night has fallen and the sun’s outer atmosphere – the corona – glows like a halo around it.
When is the next total solar eclipse in Australia?
The next total solar eclipse in Australia will occur on Saturday, July 22, 2028. It’s the second of five total solar eclipses in Australia between 2023 and 2038 – however, this one is extra special as it will be visible to more than 25 per cent of the Australian population.
Beyond its wide visibility, the duration of total darkness during 2028 is also among the longest of the decade globally, at a maximum of five minutes and ten seconds in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
Where to see the total solar eclipse in Australia in 2028?
The absolute best place to witness the 2028 total solar eclipse is Western Australia’s East Kimberley region. This region offers the longest duration of darkness at five minutes and ten seconds, plus the highest probability of clear, dry-season winter skies anywhere on the continent. Prime viewing locations include around Wyndham, Kununurra, Lake Argyle and Purnululu (Bungle Bungle) National Park.
From the Kimberley, the total solar eclipse will sweep diagonally across the Northern Territory (up to five minutes of totality), and travel through southwest Queensland and inland New South Wales (up to four minutes of totality), before plunging Sydney into total daytime darkness.
Can you see the 2028 total solar eclipse in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth?
If you're not inside the path of totality (including Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Darwin and Canberra), you will see a partial solar eclipse. This occurs when the moon blocks a portion of the sun, but the sky is not completely dark.
What time is the total solar eclipse in Australia in 2028?
Local timings for totality in Australia include:
- The Kimberley, WA: ~11am AWST
- NT: ~12.45pm ACST
- Outback QLD: ~ 1.34-1.47pm AEST
- Outback NSW: ~1.50pm AEST
- Sydney, NSW: ~1.59pm AEST
You can check the totality times for your location here.
How to see the total solar eclipse?
While the total solar eclipse is visible to the naked eye, timing your eye protection is incredibly important. Standard sunglasses are not safe for looking directly at the sun. As the moon gradually slides over the sun, you must wear ISO-certified solar eclipse glasses. The brief window when the moon completely covers the sun’s bright face is the only safe time to view it with the naked eye.
How often are solar eclipses visible?
Solar eclipses are only visible from the exact same location every 375 to 400 years on average. However, Australia is lucky to experience five total solar eclipses over 15 years. Mark your calendars for the remaining four:
- July 22, 2028 – The Kimberley (WA), NT, southwest QLD, NSW
- November 25, 2030 – Eyre Peninsula (SA), northwest NSW, southern, southeast QLD
- July 13, 2037 – southern WA, southern NT, western QLD (passing right over Brisbane and the Gold Coast)
- December 26, 2038 – central WA, SA, NSW/VIC border (just north of Melbourne), Canberra