Richmond, VA – Virginians will have chances to look skyward during 2026, but astronomy experts say the most dramatic eclipse views this year will belong to the Central and Western United States, placing much of the Mid-Atlantic — including Virginia — just outside the prime viewing zone.
According to astronomical forecasts, four eclipses will occur in 2026, including two solar and two lunar eclipses. While Virginia will see portions of several events, timing means residents will miss the longest and most vivid moments of the year’s most anticipated eclipse.
🌕 March 3, 2026 — Total Lunar Eclipse (Best Viewed West of Virginia)
This is the top eclipse event of 2026 for Americans, but Virginia sits near the eastern edge of optimal viewing.
According to eclipse timing data, the Moon will enter Earth’s darkest shadow during the early morning hours Tuesday, March 3. Cities across the Central and Western U.S. — including Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, and the West Coast — will see the eclipse in full, with a long-lasting deep red “Blood Moon.”
In Richmond, Northern Virginia, Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Roanoke, and Charlottesville, the Moon will be low in the western sky as the eclipse peaks. Viewers may catch partial phases and possibly the start of totality, but the deepest color and longest duration will occur farther west.
👉 Lunar eclipses are safe to view without special glasses.
🌞 August 12, 2026 — Solar Eclipse (Partial in Virginia)
A major total solar eclipse will track across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, drawing global attention. In Virginia, the event will appear only as a partial solar eclipse.
During the late morning hours, the Sun will appear slightly obscured statewide. 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 Virginia, though only modest shadowing of the Moon is expected, making it a quieter skywatching event.
🧭 Virginia & U.S. Eclipse Takeaway
- ⭐ Best U.S. viewing: March 3 lunar eclipse (Central & Western states)
- 👀 Virginia viewing: Partial to early total phases
- ☀️ Solar eclipse: Partial locally; totality occurs overseas
