St. Louis, MO – Missouri residents will be among the best-positioned skywatchers anywhere in the United States to experience the most dramatic eclipse of 2026, with viewing conditions expected to be near-perfect compared to most other states.
According to astronomical forecasts, four eclipses will occur in 2026, including two solar and two lunar eclipses. For Missouri, the clear standout is the March total lunar eclipse, which should be visible in full statewide, assuming clear skies.
🌕 March 3, 2026 — Total Lunar Eclipse (Prime Viewing in Missouri)
This is the top eclipse event of 2026 for U.S. residents, and Missouri sits directly in the heart of the strongest 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 St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, Springfield, Jefferson City, Joplin, and St. Joseph are expected to see all phases of the eclipse, including a long-lasting deep red “Blood Moon” during totality.
Unlike states farther east or west, the Moon will be high in the sky during peak totality in Missouri, allowing for extended viewing, excellent visibility, and ideal conditions for photography.
👉 Lunar eclipses are safe to view without special glasses.
🌞 August 12, 2026 — Solar Eclipse (Partial in Missouri)
A major total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain later in the year. In Missouri, the event will appear only as a partial solar eclipse.
During the late morning hours, the Sun will be partially obscured across the state. 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 Missouri, though only modest shadowing of the Moon is expected.
🧭 Missouri & U.S. Eclipse Takeaway
- ⭐ Best Missouri event: March 3 total lunar eclipse
- 👀 Viewing quality: Outstanding — among the best in the U.S.
- ☀️ Solar eclipse: Partial locally; totality occurs overseas
