On 22 July 2028, something extraordinary will happen in the skies above the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The Moon's shadow will sweep across the Indian Ocean before reaching the islands, making Cocos the first land in the path of totality for the 2028 total solar eclipse.
For a few unforgettable minutes that morning, day will turn to darkness as the Moon completely covers the Sun.
The 2028 total solar eclipse
The eclipse will begin over the Indian Ocean, travelling eastwards across the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island and mainland Australia before continuing across to New Zealand.
On Cocos, the partial eclipse will begin at approximately 7:04 am CCT. Totality – the brief period when the Moon completely obscures the Sun – will begin at approximately 8:12 am, lasting for around 3 minutes and 21 seconds. The eclipse will finish at approximately 9:35 am.
That means visitors to Cocos will have the rare experience of seeing the eclipse from one of the very first points on Earth where totality occurs.
What to expect in a solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse is unlike a partial eclipse. As the Moon moves across the Sun, the daylight gradually changes. Shadows become sharper, the surroundings begin to darken and the temperature can drop.
Then, during totality, the Sun’s bright surface is completely hidden.
For a few minutes, the sky takes on an almost twilight-like appearance. The Sun’s outer atmosphere, known as the corona, becomes visible around the dark silhouette of the Moon, while bright stars and planets may appear in the darkened sky. Birds and other animals can also respond to the sudden change in light.
Baily’s Beads
In the moments just before and after totality, sunlight can shine through valleys along the Moon’s uneven edge, creating a series of bright points known as Baily’s Beads.
The Diamond Ring
As the last bright point of sunlight remains beside the Moon’s silhouette, the effect can resemble a brilliant diamond ring. It is one of the fleeting highlights of totality.
The Corona
During totality, the Sun’s bright surface is completely covered and its delicate outer atmosphere, the corona, can be seen surrounding the Moon.
A special place to watch the 2028 solar eclipse
There will be many places to experience the 2028 total solar eclipse as its path crosses Australia and New Zealand, but few quite like the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Sitting in the Indian Ocean, Cocos will be the first land in the path of totality. Here, you can watch the morning sky darken above a remote tropical atoll, surrounded by turquoise lagoon, palm-fringed islands and the Indian Ocean.
For travellers looking for a unique place to watch the 2028 solar eclipse, Cocos offers the chance to make the eclipse part of a much bigger island experience. Stay for a few days and explore the lagoon, snorkel or dive the coral reefs, visit Direction Island and Home Island, and experience the culture of the Cocos Malay community.
The eclipse itself may last only a few minutes. Getting there can be an adventure worth staying for.
Planning your Cocos eclipse trip
If you’re hoping to see the 2028 total solar eclipse from Cocos, it’s worth planning well ahead.
- Eclipse date: Saturday, 22 July 2028
- Partial eclipse begins: approximately 7:04 am CCT
- Totality begins: 8:11:59 am CCT
- Duration of totality: approximately 3 minutes 21 seconds
- Eclipse ends: approximately 9:35 am CCT
Cocos is a small and remote destination, with limited accommodation and flights, so availability is expected to be an important consideration for eclipse visitors. Several accommodation providers are already accepting bookings for July 2028. Flights with QantasLink should become available to book one year in advance.
For visitors who do make the journey, the eclipse is just one part of the experience. Allow a few extra days to discover the islands – from turquoise lagoons and white-sand beaches to world-class diving, fishing, birdlife and the unique culture of the Cocos Malay community.
A rare moment in the sky. A few unhurried days on the islands.
