ABC is in Alice Springs.

The topic is stars.

It is Thursday, 23 July 2026, at 4:14 pm.

About 10,000 people will go to the Barkly region in 2028 to see a total solar eclipse.

In short:

The total solar eclipse will cross Australia on 22 July 2028.

Tourism operators say about 10,000 tourists will visit the Barkly to see the eclipse.

What's next?

Operators have two years to get ready for the tourists.

The Barkly region is preparing for about 10,000 visitors to see the solar eclipse.

The eclipse will cross Australia on 22 July 2028, and Tennant Creek is a good place to see it.

The Northern Territory Department of Tourism is looking for spaces to accommodate the tourists.

Eclipse chasers went to Exmouth for the 2023 total solar eclipse.

The department wants to match tourists with landholders because many people are coming.

Some tour operators are already selling tours for the eclipse.

Two years is not a lot of time to get ready for tourists from overseas.

A total solar eclipse was seen in the United States on 8 April 2024.

The mayor of Barkly Regional Council says the eclipse is a big event, but the town needs to be prepared.

The town is working on camping infrastructure and site selections.

The mayor wants the government to declare the eclipse a major event to get more resources.

The mayor says infrastructure needs to be good to accommodate many visitors.

Some chefs want to work in the Barkly, and people want to charter flights to Tennant Creek.

Aboriginal tourism operators want to open up land and provide cultural experiences.

The Devils Marbles are booked out.

The Devils Marbles Hotel will be fully booked during the eclipse.

The hotel manager got a call to book the hotel just after taking over in 2024.

The Devils Marbles will be under the path of the eclipse.

The hotel needs to bring in toilets, fuel, and food, and maybe security.

The eclipse is a big deal because it is rare to see.

Eclipses happen about every 18 months, but they are not always easy to see.

The 2028 eclipse will be seen in Australia, and many people will be interested.

Eclipse chasers travel to see the eclipse and stand under the moon's shadow.

Tanya Hill says there will be a lot of interest in the 2028 eclipse.

The moon will completely cover the sun, making a shadow on the earth.

Kate Russo says the eclipse is like the world holding its breath.

The eclipse is a special moment that is majestic but also eerie.

You need to be in the path of the eclipse to feel the effect.

A total solar eclipse happened in 2023.

See more ABC coverage.

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