Where the 2028 annular path goes
The central path crosses Ecuador, Peru, Brazil and Suriname before continuing across the Atlantic toward Spain and Portugal. A partial eclipse covers a much broader region of the Americas, western Europe and northwest Africa.
The ring phase lasts longer near the centre line, but weather, access and solar altitude can matter more than gaining a few additional seconds.
Key global circumstances
| Measure | Value | Planning meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Greatest eclipse | About 15:08 UTC | Local clocks depend on the observing country |
| Maximum central duration | About 10m 27s | One of the longest annular eclipses of the period |
| Path width | About 323 km | Exact coordinates still determine annularity |
| Eclipse magnitude | 0.921 | A wide bright ring remains visible |
Choose between South America and Iberia
A long path creates very different weather and travel options. Compare regional climate, road access and the Sun's height before choosing a country.
Near the path ends, annularity occurs with the Sun lower in the sky. A central location can offer a higher Sun and a longer ring phase, but only if the observing site is accessible and clear.
Observe the ring safely
- Wear certified solar viewers during every visible phase.
- Inspect filters before travel and pack more than one viewer per person.
- Fit purpose-made front filters to cameras, telescopes and binoculars.
- Never treat a cloud layer, sunglasses or photographic neutral-density filter as eye protection.
Sources and methodology
Dates, paths and safety guidance use the references below. Local timings are rounded calculations for the stated reference points; recalculate your exact observing location.
- NASA GSFC: Eclipses During 2028 ↗Date, eclipse type, greatest-eclipse time, magnitude, duration and path width.
- NASA GSFC: 26 January 2028 Annular Path ↗Central path, greatest-duration location, Sun altitude and changing annularity duration.
- NASA: Eclipse Eye Safety ↗Safe direct viewing and optical-instrument filtration.