Solar Eclipse

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A total eclipse of the sun will occur over the Cairns region in the early morning of 14 November 2012.  The last total solar eclipse in Cairns was in 710 AD and the next one won’t be until April 25, 2237.

Viewing the solar eclipse 

Find out what time you can view the total solar eclipse at various locations and suburbs around the region.

Watch the Cairns Eclipse live on line via webcam. 

At the time of the Total Eclipse, the sky will go very dark with a glowing light around the horizon, planets and bright stars will be visible and the Sun's spectacular outer atmosphere (the Corona) will appear.

WARNING: - Never look directly at the Sun or you may cause serious and permanent damage to your eyesight. The Queensland Government has provided advice on safe methods to observe the eclipse.

Booking space

Applications to hold an event on Council land have closed.   

Road Closure and Traffic information 

Road users travelling on the morning of the Eclipse should plan for delays and reconsider any non-essential travel.  If you do travel to view the eclipse, drive to the conditions and be mindful of safety when choosing a suitable location to park. If possible, try and find a local vantage point to avoid driving on major roads.

View a list of road closures that will be in affect for the Solar Eclipse 

Eclipse events

Use the links below to navigate to a month or year, or use the calendar picker on the right to view events for a specific date. Contact us to list your local community event on this calendar.

November 2012

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14 NovSolar Eclipse

Starts: 14 Nov 2012 05:45 am
Ends: 14 Nov 2012 07:40 am
Location: Innisfail to Bloomfield
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A 140 kilometre wide shadow will be cast across the Cairns region, blanketing everything in darkness as the moon passes in front of the sun for a brief moment in time. The exact time of the start of the total eclipse will depend on where on the shadow path you are. The partial eclipse begins at 5.45 leading to the total eclipse at approximately 6.37am. The total eclipse will last for approximately 2 minutes before receding with the sun returning to complete view at 7.40am.