Philadelphia, PA – Skywatchers across the Mid-Atlantic will have a chance to see eclipses in 2026, but astronomy experts say the region will fall just outside the prime viewing zone for the year’s most dramatic celestial event.
According to astronomical forecasts, four eclipses will occur in 2026, including two solar and two lunar eclipses. While residents of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will be able to see portions of multiple events, the most vivid and longest-lasting eclipse views will occur farther west.
🌕 March 3, 2026 — Total Lunar Eclipse (Limited Peak in Mid-Atlantic)
The headline event of 2026 is a total lunar eclipse, but the Mid-Atlantic 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. Viewers in New York City, Albany, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Trenton, Newark, and Atlantic City may see partial phases and possibly the start of totality, but the Moon will be low in the western sky as the eclipse reaches its deepest point.
States farther west — including Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri — will experience a longer, darker “Blood Moon” phase with the Moon higher overhead.
👉 Lunar eclipses are safe to view without special glasses.
🌞 August 12, 2026 — Solar Eclipse (Partial in the Mid-Atlantic)
A highly anticipated total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain later in the year. Across the Mid-Atlantic, the event will appear only as a partial solar eclipse.
During the late morning hours, the Sun will look slightly obscured across New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. 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 the Mid-Atlantic, though only subtle shadowing of the Moon is expected.
🧭 Mid-Atlantic Eclipse Takeaway
- ⭐ Best local event: March 3 lunar eclipse (limited peak view)
- 👀 Viewing reality: Best moments occur west of the region
- ☀️ Solar eclipse: Partial only
