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• Published date: 10 April 2024
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand)

On July 22, 2028, Dunedin and Queenstown will be the only major centres in New Zealand to experience a total solar eclipse, although the rest of the country will be able to observe a partial eclipse

A total solar eclipse happens when the moon completely covers the face of the sun.

To see it, you have to be somewhere within a narrow path of totality.

Millions of people in North America stopped, many donning special eclipse viewing glasses, and looked up for a few minutes yesterday as a solar eclipse — its totality stretching from Mexico to Newfoundland — happened.

Dr Griffin said interest in yesterday’s solar eclipse, such that numerous North American states and municipalities declared states of emergency in expectation of massive crowds, showed how excited people would be about a similar effect in Dunedin and southern New Zealand.

‘‘I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,’’ Dr Griffin said.

‘‘There is a real opportunity for Dunedin to attract several thousand tourists interested in it. There was an eclipse in Queensland in 2012, and it was said to bring in about $20million to the local economy.

‘‘The eclipse in southern New Zealand passes over Milford Sound, and it goes all the way across to Dunedin, so there will be a lot of opportunities for some amazing views.

‘‘I’m going to be sitting on my deck, with a gin and tonic, observing the eclipse. I’m pretty excited about it.’’

On July 22, 2028, the partial eclipse over New Zealand will begin about 3.10pm, and the totality will begin about 4.15pm and end about 4.18pm.

‘‘You will need to get yourself some special eyeglass filters to ensure you don’t go blind.

‘‘The weather in July is a bit iffy. It can be brilliant, but it can also be really cold and cloudy, so don’t be afraid to move out a bit.’’

Tens of thousands of tourists visited...