Solar & Lunar Eclipse Dates for 2026

Some eclipses are visible only from certain parts of the world, while others can be seen from anywhere the Moon is above the horizon. Use the calendar below to see what’s coming up—and which events may be visible where you live.

Want to learn more about what you’ll actually see? See how a total lunar eclipse unfolds, or read why the Moon is sometimes called a “Blood Moon.”

2026 Solar and Lunar Eclipse Calendar

There are four eclipses in 2026—two solar and two lunar. Eclipses tend to occur in seasons, repeating about six months apart. In 2026, they fall in late winter and late summer.

*Note: Times are listed in Eastern Time. Visibility depends on your location. You can convert times using Almanac’s Time Zone Converter.

Below are brief highlights for each 2026 eclipse, including visibility notes and what to expect when viewing.

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 the southern regions of Argentina and Chile, 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 the umbra at 4:50 A.M. EST (1:50 A.M. PST).
• It will leave the umbra at 8:17 A.M. EST (5:17 A.M. PST) and the penumbra at 9:23 A.M. EST (6:23 A.M. PST).

August 12, 2026: Total Eclipse of the Sun

This eclipse is visible ONLY as a partial solar eclipse from Canada and some northern U.S. states. 
(The total eclipse will be visible from the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain.)

• The eclipse begins at 1134 A.M. EDT (8:34 PDT) and ends at 357 P.M. EDT (12:57 P.M. PDT) and ends at 3:57 P.M. EDT (12:57 P.M. PDT)
• As with all partial eclipses, this event is safe to observe only when using proper eye protection, such as eclipse glasses or viewers.

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 penumbra 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 penumbra 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 more about solar eclipse safety.

Lunar eclipses, on the other hand, are completely safe to view with the naked eye.

Difference Between Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Eclipses occur when the Sun, Moon, and Earth align, but solar and lunar eclipses are very different experiences. Here’s a quick comparison:

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 About Eclipses

Are lunar eclipses safe to watch?

Yes. Lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye. Unlike solar eclipses, there is no risk to your eyes when watching the Moon pass through Earth’s shadow.

Do solar eclipses require eye protection?

Yes. You should never look directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse without proper eye protection. Always use ISO-certified eclipse glasses or safe viewing methods such as pinhole projectors.

Why don’t all eclipses look the same?

Eclipses vary depending on the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, as well as where you are on Earth. For lunar eclipses, atmospheric conditions can also affect how dark or reddish the Moon appears.

More Information About Eclipses

• Eclipse History: Total Solar Eclipses in the United States
• Solar Eclipse Folklore, Myths, and Superstitions
• Observing a Total Eclipse: What to Look For