When is the next eclipse? Get dates and time of day.
Curious about the next solar or lunar eclipse? Here’s your easy-to-follow guide for 2026. We’ve included dates, visibility, times, and what you can expect. Plus, we’ll explain the different types of eclipses and how to safely watch them—perfect for beginners and skywatchers alike!
When is the Next Solar or Lunar Eclipse?
Solar eclipses are only visible from certain parts of the world, while lunar eclipses can be seen anywhere the Moon is above the horizon. Check the calendar below for all the details!
2026 Solar and Lunar Eclipse Calendar
There are four eclipses in 2026—two solar and two lunar. Did you know eclipses happen in “seasons,” repeating roughly every six months? Two occur in spring and two in fall season.
| Date | Eclipse Type | Visibility | Peak Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 17, 2026 | Annular Solar | East Antarctica, southern Argentina, Chile, southern Africa | N/A |
| Mar 3, 2026 | Total Lunar | Central & Western North America | 3:44–9:23 A.M. EST |
| Aug 12, 2026 | Total Solar | Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Spain (partial in Canada & northern U.S.) | 11:34 A.M.–3:57 P.M. EDT |
| Aug 27–28, 2026 | Partial Lunar | North America | 9:22 P.M. EDT–3:03 A.M. EDT |
Tip: Convert any of the times in this article to your local time zone using Almanac’s Time Zone Converter.
Highlights:
February 17, 2026: Annular Eclipse of the Sun
This annular eclipse is NOT visible from North America. It will be visible from regions in East Antarctica, although most of Antarctica will experience only a partial solar eclipse. The partial will also be visible from southern regions of Argentina and Chili, and southern Africa
March 3, 2026: Total Eclipse of the Moon
This eclipse is visible from North America, although it is best observed from central or western North America, because the Moon will set during the umbral phase when observed from eastern North America. The Moon will enter the penumbra at 3:44 A.M. EST (12:44 A.M. PST) and umbra at 4:50 A.M. EST (1:50 A.M. PST) It will leave umbra at 8:17 A.M. EST (5:17 A.M. PST) and penumbra at 9:23 A.M. EST (623 A.M. PST).
August 12, 2026: Total Eclipse of the Sun
The total solar eclipse is NOT visible from North America. The August 12, 2026, total solar eclipse has its path of totality over Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain. It is visible only as a partial solar eclipse from Canada and some northern U.S. states.
August 27–28, 2026: Partial Eclipse of the Moon
This eclipse is visible from North America. In Western regions, the Moon will be rising during the eclipse, so it may appear very low on the horizon as it enters the umbra. The Moon will enter the enumbra at 9:22 P.M. EDT (6:22 P.M.PDT) on August 27 and the umbra at 10:33 P.M. EDT (7:33 P.M. PDT). It will leave the umbra at 1:52 A.M. EDT on August 28 (10:52 P.M. PDT), August 27) and penumbr at 3:03 A.M. EDT (12:03 A.M. PDT).
How to Safely View a Solar Eclipse
Important: Never look at the Sun without protection—it can permanently damage your eyes. Safe options include:
- Use ISO-certified eclipse glasses.
- Observe through pinhole projectors.
- Never look directly at the Sun through regular sunglasses or telescopes.
Learn how to view a solar eclipse safely.
Lunar eclipses, on the other hand, are completely safe to view with the naked eye.
Difference Between Solar and Lunar Eclipses
Eclipses happen when the Sun, Moon, and Earth line up, but solar and lunar eclipses are very different experiences. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Solar Eclipse | Lunar Eclipse |
|---|---|---|
| Occurs when | Moon passes between Sun and Earth | Earth passes between Sun and Moon |
| Visible from | Small region on Earth | Entire night side of Earth |
| Frequency | 2–5 times per year | 2–5 times per year |
| Safety | Requires eye protection | Safe to view with the naked eye |
| Moon phase | New Moon | Full Moon |
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Types of Eclipses Explained
Eclipses can be fascinating to watch, but they come in a few different types. Understanding the difference between total, partial, annular, and penumbral eclipses will help you know what to look for in the sky. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Total Eclipse
Occurs when the Sun or Moon is completely blocked.
- Total Lunar Eclipse: Earth’s shadow makes the Moon appear reddish or copper-colored. Sunlight bends through the atmosphere to cast this color.
- Total Solar Eclipse: Moon fully covers the Sun for a short time, causing temporary darkness during the day. Only viewers in the path of totality see full darkness.
Partial Eclipse
Only part of the Sun or Moon is covered.
- Partial Solar Eclipse: The Sun looks like it has a bite taken out of it.
- Partial Lunar Eclipse: Part of the Moon darkens as it passes through Earth’s shadow.
Annular Eclipse
An annular eclipse is a special type of solar eclipse. Here, the Moon is slightly smaller than the Sun in the sky, so it doesn’t cover the Sun completely. This creates a bright ring, or “ring of fire,” around the Moon.
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
This is the subtlest type of lunar eclipse. The Moon passes through the faint outer part of Earth’s shadow (called the penumbra). The Moon may only appear slightly dimmer than usual, so it can be hard to notice unless you know when and where to look.
You can read more about the types of solar eclipses here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next total solar eclipse in the United States?
The next total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous U.S. is not until August 23, 2044. Learn who will see this total eclipse.
When is the next lunar eclipse visible from North America?
March 3, 2026 (total lunar eclipse).
What’s the difference between total and partial solar eclipses?
Total eclipses fully block the Sun for a short period; partial eclipses block only part of the Sun.
Are lunar eclipses safe to view?
Yes! Lunar eclipses can be observed with the naked eye.
More Information About Eclipses
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