23/07/2026 23:01 - Turismo
The city of Dunedin, located on the southeast coast of New Zealand's South Island, is preparing for one of the most anticipated natural phenomena of the decade. On July 22, 2028, at 4:17 PM local time, the moon will pass directly between the Earth and the Sun, plunging the region into total darkness for 2 minutes and 51 seconds.
This event is extraordinarily rare for the area. In fact, Dunedin has not experienced a total solar eclipse since the year 1163, long before the first humans arrived in New Zealand. Nationally, the last total eclipse visible in the country occurred in 1965.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon perfectly aligns between the Sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on our planet. During this brief period, the solar corona (the Sun's outer atmosphere) becomes visible to the naked eye, creating a stunning visual spectacle. On this occasion, a shadowy band approximately 100 kilometers wide will cross southern New Zealand, from Queenstown to Dunedin.
35,000
visitors expected in the city, which has a local population of about 130,000.
2
years before the event, hotels like the Dunedin Leisure Lodge are already completely booked.
The phenomenon not only attracts astronomers and curious onlookers but is also deeply intertwined with local culture. The eclipse will occur just after Matariki, the Maori New Year, which celebrates the rising of the Pleiades star cluster. In honor of this, Dunedin will organize a night sky festival spanning from the Matariki festivities to the day of the eclipse.
Astronomer Dr. Ian Griffin, director of the Tuhura Otago Museum, mentioned he bought his house in 2013 specifically because of its location for viewing this eclipse. Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker stated that anticipation is already being felt throughout the city, describing the event as firmly on the horizon.
Source: The Guardian
Alfredo S. Quiroga
