Los Angeles, CA – Californians will be well positioned to watch one of the most dramatic celestial events of 2026, with the state offering strong viewing conditions for the year’s most anticipated eclipse — especially compared to much of the East Coast.
According to astronomical forecasts, four eclipses will occur in 2026, including two solar and two lunar eclipses. For California, the standout event is the March total lunar eclipse, which will be visible in full statewide, weather permitting.
🌕 March 3, 2026 — Total Lunar Eclipse (Strong Viewing in California)
This is the top eclipse event of 2026 for U.S. residents, and California’s location gives viewers a major advantage.
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 Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, and Oakland are expected to see all phases of the eclipse, including a vivid deep red “Blood Moon” during totality.
Unlike parts of the Midwest and East Coast that deal with moonset timing, the Moon will remain high in the sky during peak totality across California, creating excellent conditions for long viewing sessions and night-sky photography.
👉 Lunar eclipses are safe to view without special glasses.
🌞 August 12, 2026 — Solar Eclipse (Partial in California)
A major total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain later in the year. In California, the event will appear only as a partial solar eclipse.
During the mid-to-late morning hours, the Sun will appear partially 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 California, though only modest shadowing of the Moon is expected.
🧭 California & U.S. Eclipse Takeaway
- ⭐ Best California event: March 3 total lunar eclipse
- 👀 Viewing quality: Strong — among the best on the West Coast
- ☀️ Solar eclipse: Partial locally; totality occurs overseas
