Exactly two years from today, on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2028, the moon will slide in front of the sun to create a spectacular annular solar eclipse. For up to 10 minutes and 27 seconds, observers along a narrow path through the Galápagos Islands, northern South America, the Atlantic Ocean and southern Europe will witness a brilliant “ring of fire” eclipse. According to Timeanddate.com, 39.8 million people will witness it.
What Is An Annular Solar Eclipse?
An annular solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly in front of the sun, but is near apogee — the farthest point in its orbit — so it appears slightly smaller than the solar disk. As a result, instead of totality, observers see a bright ring of sunlight around the moon. It’s a dramatic sight, but unlike during a total solar eclipse, solar viewing glasses are required throughout the event.
What’s So Special About the 2028 ‘Ring Of Fire’ Eclipse?
This eclipse stands out for its long duration — a direct consequence of how far away the moon is and how much of the sun it blocks. At its peak, the moon will cover a relatively small 92% of the sun, causing the “ring of fire” to last for over 10 minutes — far longer than most annular eclipses. The centerline of the eclipse crosses the equator and Amazon Basin, granting long views of annularity from remote jungles and large cities alike. It begins in the Pacific Ocean, first touching land in the Galápagos Islands — a dream setting for eclipse chasers — before cutting across Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Brazil, French Guiana, the Atlantic Ocean, and ending at sunset in southern Portugal, Morocco and Spain.
Who Will See the ‘Ring Of Fire’ in 2028?
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
The path of annularity first touches land at the Galápagos — a world-renowned archipelago and UNESCO site. On Isla Isabela and Isla Floreana, annularity will last over 7 minutes, with the sun 16 degrees above the horizon. Many cruise-based eclipse expeditions are expected.
Ecuador and Peru
The eclipse path then crosses mainland Ecuador, hitting cities like Salinas, Machala and Cuenca. Iquitos — the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon — will enjoy a long eclipse.
Brazil, Colombia, Suriname and French Guiana
The eclipse crosses Brazil from west to east, twice intersecting the Amazon River and bringing a “ring of fire” to Tefé and Manaus. Leticia in Colombia and Camopi in French Guiana will also see a long annular eclipse.
Portugal, Morocco and Spain
After crossing the Atlantic, the eclipse re-emerges to bring a “ring of fire” close to sunset to the coast of Portugal, Spain and the northern tip of Morocco (Tangier). In Spain, major cities like Seville, Córdoba, Malaga and Valencia will all experience a long annularity just a few degrees above the horizon.
Upcoming Annular Solar Eclipses
The next annular solar eclipse is on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, when for about 2 minutes and 20 seconds, observers in a remote part of Antarctica will witness 96% of the center of the sun’s disk obscured. Almost no humans will witness it. After Feb. 17, 2026, the following three “ring of fire” annular solar eclipses will be:
- Feb. 6, 2027: Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria.
- Jan. 26, 2028: Galápagos Islands, mainland Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana, Morocco and Spain.
- Jun. 1, 2030: Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Greece, Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan, China and Japan.
When Is The Next Total Solar Eclipse?
The next total solar eclipse will occur on Aug. 12, 2026, sweeping across eastern Greenland, western Iceland, and northern Spain. It will be the first to reach mainland Europe since 1999, and a major event for the continent. Northeastern U.S. states will see a small partial solar eclipse at lunchtime: New York 10%, Boston 16% and Bar Harbor, Maine, 24%.
When Is The Next Total Eclipse In The U.S.?
Totality returns to U.S. soil on Mar. 30, 2033, in Alaska, on Aug. 23, 2044, in Montana and North Dakota, and then dramatically on Aug. 12, 2045, when a coast-to-coast total eclipse offers up to 6 minutes of totality — the longest in U.S. history. Before that, on Jan. 14, 2029, a deep partial solar eclipse will cover up to 87% of the sun across North America. The U.S. is set to get a ringside seat.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
