Jackson, MS / Birmingham, AL – Residents across Mississippi and Alabama will be some of the best-positioned skywatchers in the country for the most dramatic eclipse of 2026, with viewing conditions expected to surpass much of the East Coast and rival top Central U.S. locations.
According to astronomical forecasts, four eclipses will occur in 2026, including two solar and two lunar eclipses. The clear standout for both states is the March total lunar eclipse, which should be visible in full with favorable sky positioning.
🌕 March 3, 2026 — Total Lunar Eclipse (Excellent Viewing in MS & AL)
This is the top eclipse event of 2026 for U.S. residents, and Mississippi and Alabama sit firmly within the prime viewing corridor.
According to eclipse timing data, the Moon will enter Earth’s darkest shadow during the early morning hours Tuesday, March 3. Viewers in Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, and Tuscaloosa are expected to see all phases of the eclipse, including a prolonged deep red “Blood Moon” during totality.
Unlike states farther east, the Moon will remain high above the western horizon during peak totality, allowing for extended viewing and strong photo opportunities.
👉 Lunar eclipses are safe to view without special glasses.
🌞 August 12, 2026 — Solar Eclipse (Partial in MS & AL)
A major total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain later in the year. In Mississippi and Alabama, 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 Mississippi and Alabama, though only modest shadowing of the Moon is expected.
🧭 Mississippi & Alabama Eclipse Takeaway
- ⭐ Best local event: March 3 total lunar eclipse
- 👀 Viewing quality: Excellent — among the best in the eastern U.S.
- ☀️ Solar eclipse: Partial locally; totality occurs overseas
