Solar and Lunar Eclipses 2026: Dates and Where to Watch
Eclipses in 2026 are one of the most searched-for sky events. Below you will find a practical calendar for solar and lunar eclipses, short safety notes and a simple widget counting down to the next eclipse relevant to observers in Europe, including Poland.
Night-sky observation calendars and tools
LIVE: next eclipse and countdown
Eclipse calendar 2026 – solar and lunar
| Date | Type | What it means | Visibility (PL / Europe) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 February 2026 | Solar eclipse – annular | A “ring of fire” because the Moon appears smaller than the solar disk. | Mainly visible from Antarctica; practically not visible from Europe. |
| 3 March 2026 | Lunar eclipse – total | A classic “blood moon” appearance. | Not visible from Poland – the Moon is below the horizon (for Warsaw). |
| 12 August 2026 | Solar eclipse – total | The most spectacular type: the solar disk is fully covered. | Path of totality crosses Iceland and northern Spain; in Poland only a partial eclipse. |
| 28 August 2026 | Lunar eclipse – partial | Part of the lunar disk enters Earth’s shadow. | Very difficult from Poland – the maximum is below the horizon in Warsaw. |
Safety: watching a solar eclipse
Never look directly at the Sun without the proper filters. For eclipse viewing, use only certified eclipse glasses or solar filters. Ordinary sunglasses do not protect your eyes.
Total Solar Eclipse on 12 August 2026 – how and where to observe it?
If you are interested in the total solar eclipse of 12 August 2026, the key question is not only when it happens, but where you need to be. To see the path of totality and the full darkening of the solar disk, the best strategy is to plan a trip to Iceland or northern Spain. From Poland only a partial eclipse will be visible.
The best observing strategy combines cloud monitoring, flexible logistics and choosing a spot as close as possible to the path of totality. For many observers, Iceland and Spain are the key travel targets for this eclipse.
In practice, weather is the main enemy, so it is worth having a plan B with several possible locations.
Weather and cloud cover (Windy): for eclipses – especially if you are traveling into the path of totality – weather is critical. Check clouds and visibility shortly before the observation begins.
FAQ: eclipses 2026
Total Solar Eclipse on 12 August 2026 – how and where to observe it?
On 12 August 2026 the total solar eclipse will be visible in the path of totality over areas including Iceland and northern Spain. If you want the full experience, plan your trip there and monitor cloud cover right up to the observation window. From Poland the eclipse will only be partial.
Will the lunar eclipse on 3 March 2026 be visible from Poland?
No. For Poland, including Warsaw, the Moon will be below the horizon, so the event will not be observable.
Will the lunar eclipse on 28 August 2026 be visible from Poland?
This eclipse is problematic from Poland – the maximum happens below the horizon in Warsaw. In some places the earliest phase may still be very low over the horizon before moonset.
How can I watch a solar eclipse safely?
Use only certified eclipse filters. Never look at the Sun through a camera, binoculars or a telescope without the proper solar filter, because permanent eye damage is possible.
What is the difference between an annular and a total eclipse?
During an annular eclipse the Moon’s apparent diameter is too small to cover the whole Sun, so a bright ring remains. During a total eclipse the solar disk is completely covered for a short time within the path of totality.
Read also / continue
Sky Phenomena · Moon phases · Astronomical calendar · Supermoon
Sources for times and local visibility: Timeanddate / TheSkyLive / NSO.