Eclipse Calendar 2026–2027: Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Eclipses in 2026 and 2027

From NASA's eclipse catalog (times are greatest eclipse in Universal Time):

Types of eclipse

Solar eclipses happen at New Moon, when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun.

• Total: the Moon covers the Sun completely along a narrow path. Outside the path, people see a partial eclipse.
• Annular: the Moon is far enough from Earth that it looks slightly smaller than the Sun, leaving a bright ring.
• Partial: the Moon covers only part of the Sun.

Lunar eclipses happen at Full Moon, when Earth's shadow falls on the Moon. They can be seen from anywhere on the night side of Earth.

• Total: the Moon passes fully into Earth's dark inner shadow (umbra) and often turns coppery red.
• Partial: part of the Moon enters the umbra.
• Penumbral: the Moon passes only through the faint outer shadow; the dimming is subtle.

Reading "visible from"

The regions are NASA's broad description of where any part of the eclipse can be seen. For solar eclipses, being inside the region usually means a partial eclipse; total or annular phases are only visible from the narrow path listed in the notes. For lunar eclipses, the Moon must be above your horizon during the eclipse, so near the edges of the region you may only catch part of it at moonrise or moonset. NASA's eclipse pages have detailed maps and local circumstances.

Eye safety

NASA is clear that, except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized solar eye protection. Eclipse glasses should meet the ISO 12312-2 standard; regular sunglasses are not safe. Read our eclipse eye safety guide before any solar eclipse.

Planning for August 2027

The total solar eclipse of August 2, 2027 is the next one on land within reach of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, and one of the longest of the century at its greatest point. See our August 2, 2027 eclipse guide.

Common questions

When is the next total solar eclipse?

August 2, 2027. NASA lists the path of totality across Morocco, Spain, Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia, with a partial eclipse across Africa, Europe, the Middle East and western and southern Asia.

When is the next lunar eclipse visible from the Americas?

Within this calendar, the penumbral lunar eclipses of February 20, 2027 and August 17, 2027 include the Americas in NASA's visibility regions. Penumbral eclipses are subtle; the Moon dims only slightly.

What is a penumbral lunar eclipse?

The Moon passes only through Earth's outer, partial shadow. The dimming is faint and many casual observers don't notice it.

Is it safe to look at a lunar eclipse?

Yes. Lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. Only solar eclipses need eye protection.