Orlando, FL – Floridians will be able to spot several eclipses in 2026, but astronomy experts say the most dramatic views this year will favor the Central and Western United States, placing Florida on the outer edge of peak viewing for the year’s biggest sky event.
According to astronomical forecasts, four eclipses will occur in 2026, including two solar and two lunar eclipses. While Florida will see portions of multiple events, timing means residents will miss the longest and most vivid eclipse phases experienced farther west.
🌕 March 3, 2026 — Total Lunar Eclipse (Best Viewed West of Florida)
This is the most anticipated eclipse of 2026 for Americans, but Florida sits near the eastern edge of optimal visibility.
According to eclipse timing data, the Moon will enter Earth’s darkest shadow during the early morning hours Tuesday, March 3. Cities across the Central and Western U.S. — including Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, and the West Coast — will experience the eclipse in full, with a long-lasting deep red “Blood Moon.”
In Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Fort Lauderdale, the Moon will be very low in the western sky as the eclipse peaks. Viewers may catch partial phases and possibly the beginning of totality, but the most intense color and longest duration will occur farther west.
👉 Lunar eclipses are safe to view without special glasses.
🌞 August 12, 2026 — Solar Eclipse (Partial in Florida)
A major total solar eclipse will track across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, drawing international attention. In Florida, the event will appear only as a partial solar eclipse.
During the late morning hours, the Sun will look slightly obscured statewide. Certified solar eclipse glasses are required for safe viewing.
🌕 August 27–28, 2026 — Partial Lunar Eclipse
A second lunar eclipse later in the summer will also be visible across Florida, though only modest shadowing of the Moon is expected, making it a quieter skywatching event.
🧭 Florida & U.S. Eclipse Takeaway
- ⭐ Best U.S. viewing: March 3 lunar eclipse (Central & Western states)
- 👀 Florida viewing: Partial to early total phases
- ☀️ Solar eclipse: Partial locally; totality occurs overseas
