There Are 2 Eclipses This August. Here’s How to See Them
Everything you need to know about the solar eclipse and lunar eclipse that will occur in August 2026.
August brings two eclipses: a total solar eclipse on August 12 and a partial lunar eclipse from August 27 to 28. The solar eclipse is the last of 2026, while the lunar eclipse is preceded by those of the past two years. We'll explore the details and viewing opportunities for both celestial events.
The first eclipse of August will be a total solar eclipse, visible in the northern hemisphere. The moon will pass between Earth and the sun, casting its shadow from west to east. Starting in the Arctic, the path includes northern locations like Alaska, Canada, Iceland, and parts of the North Atlantic. Only a few land areas will witness totality, including eastern Greenland and the far western edge of Iceland.
Spain, experiencing a full solar eclipse for the first time in over a century, will see the event at sunset. The eclipse will last about an hour, with totality lasting around two minutes.
In contrast, the second eclipse of August will be a partial lunar eclipse. The Earth will be positioned between the sun and the moon, causing portions of the lunar surface to darken or take on a reddish hue. Unlike a solar eclipse, this event will be visible across a vast region of the planet, primarily in eastern and central Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America.
Up to 96 percent of the lunar disk will be in Earth's shadow, providing a dramatic view. Observers in Mexico City will see the partial phase begin at 8:30 pm local time, peak around 10:13 pm, and end at 11:53 pm. To view the lunar eclipse, clear skies and minimal light pollution are recommended.
Written by urgent.news from Wired Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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