Phoenix, AZ / Albuquerque, NM – Skywatchers across Arizona and New Mexico will be among the best-positioned people anywhere in the world to witness the most dramatic eclipse of 2026, with clear desert skies, elevation, and timing all aligning in their favor.
According to astronomical forecasts, four eclipses will occur in 2026, including two solar and two lunar eclipses. For both states, the undisputed highlight is the March total lunar eclipse, which should be visible in full statewide, weather permitting.
🌕 March 3, 2026 — Total Lunar Eclipse (Exceptional Viewing in AZ & NM)
This is the top eclipse event of 2026 for U.S. residents, and Arizona and New Mexico sit squarely in the heart of the strongest viewing corridor.
According to eclipse timing data, the Moon will enter Earth’s darkest shadow during the late-night to early-morning hours Tuesday, March 3. Viewers in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Yuma, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and Roswell are expected to see every phase of the eclipse, including a long-lasting deep red “Blood Moon” during totality.
In both states, the Moon will be high in the sky during peak totality, creating ideal conditions for extended viewing and photography — especially in higher-elevation locations such as Flagstaff and Santa Fe.
👉 Lunar eclipses are safe to view without special glasses.
🌞 August 12, 2026 — Solar Eclipse (Partial in AZ & NM)
A major total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain later in the year. In Arizona and New Mexico, the event will appear only as a partial solar eclipse.
During the late morning hours, the Sun will be partially obscured across both states. 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 Arizona and New Mexico, though only modest shadowing of the Moon is expected.
🧭 Arizona & New Mexico Eclipse Takeaway
- ⭐ Best local event: March 3 total lunar eclipse
- 👀 Viewing quality: Exceptional — among the best worldwide
- ☀️ Solar eclipse: Partial locally; totality occurs overseas
