Concord, NH – New Hampshire residents hoping for a dramatic eclipse show in 2026 will have opportunities to look up, but astronomers say the best views this year will belong to the Central and Western United States, leaving New England on the fringe.
According to astronomical forecasts, four eclipses will occur in 2026 — two solar and two lunar. While New Hampshire will see portions of multiple events, the timing places the state just outside the prime viewing corridor for the most anticipated eclipse of the year.
🌕 March 3, 2026 — Total Lunar Eclipse (Best Viewed West of New Hampshire)
This is the most significant eclipse of 2026 for Americans, but New Hampshire sits near the eastern edge of visibility.
According to eclipse data, the Moon will enter Earth’s darkest shadow during the early morning hours Tuesday, March 3. Viewers across the Central U.S. and West Coast — including Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, and Los Angeles — will see the eclipse in full, featuring a long-lasting deep red “Blood Moon.”
In Concord, Manchester, Nashua, Dover, and Portsmouth, the Moon will be dropping toward the western horizon as the eclipse peaks. Residents may catch partial phases and possibly the start of totality, but the longest and most vivid color display will occur farther west.
👉 Lunar eclipses are safe to view without special glasses.
🌞 August 12, 2026 — Solar Eclipse (Partial in New Hampshire)
A highly anticipated total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, drawing global attention. In New Hampshire, the event will appear only as a partial solar eclipse.
During the late morning hours, the Sun will look slightly obscured across the state. Certified solar eclipse glasses are required to view this event safely.
🌕 August 27–28, 2026 — Partial Lunar Eclipse
A second lunar eclipse later in the summer will also be visible from New Hampshire, though only modest shadowing of the Moon is expected, making it a quieter skywatching event.
🧭 New Hampshire & U.S. Eclipse Takeaway
- ⭐ Best U.S. viewing: March 3 lunar eclipse (Central & Western states)
- 👀 New Hampshire viewing: Partial to early total phases
- ☀️ Solar eclipse: Partial only; totality occurs overseas
