November 25, 2030
On November 25, 2030, a total solar eclipse traces a path from southern Africa across the southern ocean to Australia, making it a rare day when two continents share totality. At its peak the Moon fully covers the Sun for up to 3 minutes and 47 seconds — long enough to see the corona, watch the sky darken to twilight, and notice stars appear in the middle of the day. This is one to start planning for now.
Where it's visible
The narrow path of totality runs through Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Lesotho before crossing the southern ocean and reaching southern Australia. A much wider sweep of Africa, the Indian Ocean region, and Australia will see a partial eclipse, but the full dramatic effect belongs only to those inside that central band.
What to expect
Inside the path, the Moon slides completely over the Sun and the corona — the Sun's outer atmosphere — blazes into view for up to 3 minutes and 47 seconds. The temperature drops, the horizon glows orange in every direction, and the landscape falls into an otherworldly dusk before sunlight floods back.
Watching it safely
The one naked-eye-safe moment is during totality itself, and only from inside the path of totality — the instant the bright Sun begins to return, your ISO 12312-2 certified eclipse glasses must go straight back on. At all other times, and from anywhere outside the path, certified filters are required; ordinary sunglasses are never safe.
Common questions
When and where is the 2030 total solar eclipse?
November 25, 2030. The path of totality crosses southern Africa — Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Lesotho — then continues across the southern ocean to southern Australia. Much of the broader region will see a partial eclipse.
How long does totality last in 2030?
Up to 3 minutes and 47 seconds at the point of greatest eclipse. The exact duration at any given spot depends on how close you are to the centre line of the path, so it's worth checking your specific location as the date approaches.
Do I need eclipse glasses for the 2030 eclipse?
Yes, for almost the entire event. The only exception is the brief window of totality itself, and only if you are standing inside the path — during those minutes you can look with the naked eye. For every partial phase before and after, and from anywhere outside the path, certified ISO 12312-2 eclipse glasses are essential.
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 →