July 22, 2028
On July 22, 2028, a total solar eclipse crosses Australia and clips the southern tip of New Zealand, with the path of totality passing directly over Sydney — one of the world's great cities, and a genuinely rare target for a total eclipse. At its peak, the Sun is completely covered for up to 5 minutes 15 seconds, making this a long and spectacular event worth planning well ahead for.
Where it's visible
The path of totality sweeps across Australia and passes directly over Sydney, before reaching the southern tip of New Zealand. If you're outside that narrow central band — anywhere else in Australia, much of the Pacific, or parts of Asia — you'll still see a partial eclipse, but the full drama of totality requires being on or very close to the path.
What to expect
Inside the path, the Moon slides completely over the Sun and the sky darkens to a deep twilight: the solar corona flares into view, stars may appear in the middle of the day, and the horizon glows with the colours of a 360-degree sunset. With totality lasting up to 5 minutes 15 seconds, you'll have real time to take it all in — far longer than many total eclipses allow.
Watching it safely
During totality itself, and only from inside the path, it is safe to look at the eclipsed Sun with the naked eye — but the moment the bright Sun begins to return, certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses must go straight back on. At every other stage of the eclipse, and from everywhere outside the path of totality, those certified filters are essential; ordinary sunglasses are never safe.
Common questions
When and where is the 2028 total solar eclipse?
July 22, 2028. The path of totality crosses Australia — passing directly over Sydney — and reaches the southern tip of New Zealand. Greatest eclipse occurs over northwestern Australia, where totality lasts up to 5 minutes 15 seconds.
Can I see totality from Sydney?
Yes — Sydney sits inside the path of totality, which is what makes this eclipse so unusual. Most total eclipses pass over oceans or remote land; having a major city directly in the path is rare and means millions of people can experience totality without travelling far.
Do I need eclipse glasses for the 2028 eclipse?
Yes, for almost the entire event. The one exception is during totality itself, from inside the path, when it is briefly safe to look with the naked eye. At all other times — during the partial phases before and after, and from anywhere outside the path — certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses are required.
The sooner one: August 12, 2026
Before any of these, a total solar eclipse crosses Iceland and Spain on August 12, 2026. See it for your city →