A farmer on horseback at dawn, Kununurra, Kimberley region, Western Australia, Australia. (Pictured) … [+]
Sydney Harbour or the Western Australian outback – where will you be on July 22, 2028? As anyone adept at chasing eclipses knows, the four years before the moon crosses the sun is the perfect time to start thinking about how you can experience one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena.
Australia is currently experiencing a golden age of total solar eclipses, with five total solar eclipses in a 15-year period starting in 2023 (2028, 2030, 2037 and 2038).
The next solar eclipse in 2028 is sure to be an impressive one, especially if eclipse-seekers check the weather forecasts and head inland.
“The Sydney Solar Eclipse?”
Many will talk about the “Sydney Harbour Total Solar Eclipse.” After all, what could be more amazing than watching a 3 minute 44 second total solar eclipse at one of the most famous locations in the world? Few tourists will be thrilled by this phenomenon, but Sydney is a rainy city. And the culprit is Sydney’s warm waters.
No, the best places to experience a long total solar eclipse are the more vacant and drier areas in the vast path of the eclipse.
Orbit of the total solar eclipse on July 22, 2028.
The whole road
The path of the total solar eclipse on July 28, 2028 will be 7,442 miles (11,976 kilometers) long and 143 miles (230 kilometers) wide at its widest point, stretching from the central Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean southeast of New Zealand.
The first to experience the total eclipse are the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, followed by the Christmas Islands. The Moon’s shadow then falls on the Kimberley coast in northern Western Australia, peaking deep in the outback, with the eclipse lasting five minutes and ten seconds – incredibly long, longer than the total solar eclipse in North America on April 8th. The eclipse then passes diagonally across central Northern Territory, southwest Queensland and northeast New South Wales. The eclipse will also be visible near sunset in New Zealand’s South Island, including Queenstown and Dunedin, although many locations will be blocked by mountains.
“To view a total solar eclipse, chasers travel to very remote parts of the Earth.” Astrotourism WA“In 2028, visitors will have many locations to choose from across Australia and New Zealand. [but] We think the Kimberley will be the most popular choice as it offers the best view of the total solar eclipse.”
Eclipse chasers travel to Exmouth to watch the total solar eclipse on April 20, 2023.
How to watch
In total, over six million people will experience the total solar eclipse. Where should you go? Here are five places to consider, with their pros and cons.
Kununurra, Western Australia
2 minutes 55 seconds, 10:59 AM AWST
Since 2000, the probability of cloud formation has been 11%
This small town on the Ord River is quite remote, but it’s the only place close to the 5 minutes 3 seconds mark when the total solar eclipse will peak. The point is on the Great Northern Highway, which intersects with the eclipse’s center line just south of Durak, about 65 miles (100 kilometers) southwest of Kununurra. The town is the gateway to the lakes, mountain ranges and vast outback cattle stations of the Kimberley region. Nearby Wyndham, Purnululu National Park and Lake Argyle are also on the way.
Karlu Karlu, Warumungu, Northern Territory
12:48pm 4:50pm
Since 2000, the probability of cloud formation has been 23%
These huge granite boulders scattered throughout the shallow valleys are also known as the Devil’s Marbles. The nearest town is Tennant Creek, about 65 miles (100 kilometers) to the north.
Siding Springs Observatory, New South Wales, Australia
1 minute 55 seconds, 1:56 pm AEST
Since 2000, the probability of cloud formation is 34%
If you’re after something astronomical, head to this observatory in Warrumbungle Dark Sky Park while staying in nearby Coonabarabran or one of the many campsites in the area.
A sunset view of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from Mrs Macquarie’s Point on February 9. … [+]
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
3 minutes 45 seconds, 1:59 AEST
Since 2000, the probability of cloud formation has been 47%
Sydney Harbour will see the first total solar eclipse in 170 years, with millions of people queuing between Botany Bay and Manly, via Clovelly and Bondi, but July is not the best time of year for clear skies.
Milford Sound, New Zealand
2 minutes 51 seconds, 4:14 pm NZST
Since 2000, the probability of cloud formation is 63%
In perilous weather, the eclipse will occur just 9 degrees above the northwestern horizon, so ships moored in this beautiful fjord will need to be perfectly positioned, but the reward will be a view of the eclipsed Sun between the mountain peaks.
Please accept my book Stargazing in 2024, Stargazing Program for Beginnersand When is the next solar eclipse?
May the clear skies and big eyes be with you.
