Upcoming Eclipses - August 2026

August is the month of eclipses, with both a partial solar eclipse and a partial, but near total, lunar eclipse.

Partial Solar Eclipse

On August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse will occur across parts of Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal, but observers along the U.S. East Coast will see only a partial solar eclipse. During the early afternoon, the Moon will appear to take a small “bite” out of the Sun (about 5% here in Maryland), with the amount of coverage varying by location and generally increasing farther north. The sky will remain bright, and there will be no period of total darkness, but the event will still offer a striking celestial display for skywatchers from New England to the Mid-Atlantic. Proper eclipse glasses or other approved solar viewing methods will be required throughout the event, since the Sun will never be completely covered from the East Coast.

Obscuration

4.57%

Magnitude

0.1135

Duration

1h, 14m, 1s

Partial begins

Aug 12 at 1:15:24 pm

Maximum

Aug 12 at 1:52:57 pm

Partial ends

Aug 12 at 2:29:25 pm

Partial Lunar Eclipse

On the night of August 27-28, 2026, skywatchers along the U.S. East Coast will be treated to a spectacular deep partial lunar eclipse, with about 96% of the Moon covered by Earth's dark shadow at maximum eclipse. The Moon is expected to take on dramatic shades of orange, copper, and red, making it appear almost like a total lunar eclipse. Unlike a solar eclipse, no special eye protection is needed, and the event will be visible to anyone with a clear view of the sky. The eclipse will occur during convenient evening and overnight hours, making it one of the best lunar viewing opportunities of 2026 for East Coast observers.

Eclipse Stages Worldwide	UTC Time	Local Time in Baltimore*	Visible in Baltimore
Penumbral Eclipse begins	Aug 28 at 01:23:58	Aug 27 at 9:23:58 pm	Yes
Partial Eclipse begins	Aug 28 at 02:33:54	Aug 27 at 10:33:54 pm	Yes
Maximum Eclipse	Aug 28 at 04:12:53	Aug 28 at 12:12:53 am	Yes
Partial Eclipse ends	Aug 28 at 05:51:59	Aug 28 at 1:51:59 am	Yes
Penumbral Eclipse ends	Aug 28 at 07:01:47	Aug 28 at 3:01:47 am	Yes

* The Moon is high above the horizon during this eclipse, so with good weather conditions in Baltimore, the entire eclipse is easily visible.