Los Angeles, CA – Skywatchers along the Pacific Coast will have solid viewing opportunities during the 2026 eclipse cycle, with timing that favors late-night and overnight watching, even as the nation’s very best views occur farther inland.
According to astronomical forecasts, four eclipses will occur in 2026, including two solar and two lunar eclipses. For residents of California, Oregon, and Washington, the highlight will be the March total lunar eclipse, which should be visible across the entire coast.
🌕 March 3, 2026 — Total Lunar Eclipse (Strong Viewing Along the Pacific Coast)
The headline sky event of 2026 is a total lunar eclipse, and the Pacific Coast is well positioned thanks to favorable timing.
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, Sacramento, Portland, Eugene, Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane are expected to see all phases of the eclipse, including a vivid deep red “Blood Moon.”
Unlike much of the East Coast, where the Moon will be low or setting, the Moon will remain high in the sky during peak totality along the Pacific Coast, allowing for longer viewing windows and strong photography conditions.
👉 Lunar eclipses are safe to view without special glasses.
🌞 August 12, 2026 — Solar Eclipse (Partial Along the Pacific Coast)
A highly anticipated total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain later in the year. Along the Pacific Coast, the event will appear only as a partial solar eclipse.
During the mid-to-late morning hours, the Sun will look partially obscured across California, Oregon, and Washington. 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 along the Pacific Coast, though only subtle shadowing of the Moon is expected.
🧭 Pacific Coast Eclipse Takeaway
- ⭐ Best local event: March 3 total lunar eclipse
- 👀 Viewing quality: Strong — better than East Coast, not Midwest-peak
- ☀️ Solar eclipse: Partial only
