What Makes the Total Solar Eclipse in 2028 Special?
By Dwaipayan Roy | October 5, 2025 | 6:42 PM
On July 22, 2028, a spectacular total solar eclipse will sweep across Australia and New Zealand, capturing the attention of skywatchers and eclipse chasers alike. This event will be particularly special for Sydney residents, as it will be the first time since 1857 that a total solar eclipse will be visible from the city.
Eclipse Path and Duration
The Moon’s shadow will cover a path approximately 230 kilometers wide, with totality lasting over five minutes in some areas. The eclipse will begin at sunrise over the Indian Ocean, passing over the Cocos and Christmas Islands. It will then traverse mainland Australia—crossing Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, and New South Wales—before reaching New Zealand across the Tasman Sea.
The point of maximum totality, lasting about 5 minutes and 10 seconds, will occur near the Drysdale River in Western Australia.
Overall Eclipse Details
The entire total solar eclipse will last approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes from first landfall to last contact, covering a distance of nearly 12,000 kilometers. An estimated 6.3 million people will be located within the path of totality.
Popular viewing locations where eclipse enthusiasts are expected to gather include Direction Island and South Point on the Cocos Islands, Scott Reef in the Indian Ocean, and Lamarck Island in Australia.
Viewing Conditions and Weather
In Sydney, observers can expect a totality duration of around 3 minutes and 44 seconds. However, weather will play a crucial role in eclipse visibility. For instance, areas like Kununurra have experienced cloud cover on July 22 about 11% of the time since 2000, while Bungle Bungles and Karlu Karlu have seen similar cloud cover rates of approximately 10% and 23%, respectively.
Upcoming Solar Eclipses After 2028
Alongside the total solar eclipse on July 22, 2028, a partial solar eclipse will also be visible across Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Southeast Asia.
Looking ahead, several total solar eclipses will follow in the coming years, with dates set for:
- November 25, 2030
- November 14, 2031
- March 30, 2033
- March 20, 2034
- September 2, 2035
- July 13, 2037
- December 26, 2038
Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable celestial event in 2028!