The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse month is here and skywatchers around the world have witnessed the rare event. On Monday, April 8, the moon passed in front of the sun, creating a total eclipse and marking a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event for millions. It crossed North America, passed over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Unfortunately, Aussies completely missed out on seeing the spectacle. But there’s no need to fret because, in the next 15 years, Australia will have at least four dramatic total solar eclipses.
When will the next total solar eclipse occur in Australia?
We can’t normally see the sun’s corona because its surface is too bright. It’s only during a total solar eclipse that the corona becomes visible. According to NASA, “A total solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk.”
Although rare, we luckily don’t have to wait too long to see the next total solar eclipse down under. Even better, many of these eclipses can be seen in cities and densely populated areas including the Sydney Harbour. Here are all the dates you need to mark in your calendar.
July 22, 2028
The eclipse will cross from the Kimberley in Western Australia and pass through the Northern Territory, southwest Queensland and New South Wales, passing directly above Sydney allowing Sydneysiders to view the phenomenon from home. Sydney Harbour will be the prime location to witness the event with the total duration to last three minutes and 44 seconds. This will also be the first time Sydney will experience a total solar eclipse since March 26, 1857.
November 25, 2030
The total solar eclipse will occur across South Australia, northwest New South Wales, and southern Queensland.
July 13, 2037
During winter, several locations around the country including Byron Bay and the stunning Lord Howe Island in NSW will witness a total solar eclipse for up to three minutes and 58 seconds. It will also be visible in locations like Geraldton, Uluru and the Gold Coast.
December 26, 2038
Aussies will be treated to another total solar eclipse for the second year running with totality for this one set to occur over central Western Australia, South Australia, and along the New South Wales and Victoria border.
If you’re keen to catch the 2028 eclipse live, you can watch it on NASA’s livestream. You can also find more information including the paths for each future eclipse over Australia here.