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Eclipse August 2026: Solar Eclipse and Lunar Eclipse Dates, Time, Visibility and Complete Guide

August 2026 is an exciting month for skywatchers because it features two major eclipses — a total solar eclipse on August 12 and a deep partial lunar eclipse on August 27–28.

According to NASA, the August 12 solar eclipse crossed Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain and a small part of Portugal. (NASA Science)

The second event is the partial lunar eclipse of August 27–28, during which a very large portion of the Moon will pass through Earth’s dark shadow. (NASA Science)

August 2026 Eclipse Dates

There are two eclipses in August 2026:

NASA’s eclipse data confirms that 2026 has four eclipses in total: two solar and two lunar. (NASA Eclipse)

August 12, 2026 Solar Eclipse

The first major eclipse of August was the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026.

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon moves directly between Earth and the Sun and completely blocks the Sun’s bright disk for observers inside the path of totality.

NASA says the total eclipse crossed Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean and parts of Spain and Portugal. A much larger area experienced a partial solar eclipse. (NASA Science)

Where Was the August 12 Solar Eclipse Visible?

The path of totality included parts of:

• Greenland
• Iceland
• Northern Russia
• Spain
• Portugal
• Atlantic Ocean

Partial phases were visible across much larger areas of the Northern Hemisphere, including parts of North America, Canada, Europe and northwestern Africa. (NASA Science)

For people located outside the path of totality, the Sun was only partially covered.

August 27–28, 2026 Lunar Eclipse

The second major August eclipse is a partial lunar eclipse occurring overnight on August 27–28, 2026.

This is an especially deep partial lunar eclipse. At maximum, about 96% of the Moon’s disk will be covered by Earth’s darkest shadow, the umbra. (Space)

Because most of the Moon enters the umbra, the eclipsed portion can take on a reddish-orange color. This happens because Earth’s atmosphere filters and bends sunlight toward the Moon.

Is the August 28 Eclipse a Blood Moon?

You may see the August 2026 lunar eclipse described online as a “blood moon.”

However, it is technically a partial lunar eclipse, not a total lunar eclipse.

Because approximately 96% of the Moon enters Earth’s umbra, the event can produce a dramatic reddish appearance, but a small portion of the Moon remains outside the darkest shadow. (Space)

August 28 Lunar Eclipse Time

The exact timing depends on your location.

NASA gives the maximum of the eclipse at approximately 4:13 a.m. UTC on August 28, corresponding to 12:13 a.m. EDT on August 28. (NASA Science)

The entire eclipse, including the penumbral stages, lasts several hours.

For observers in the Americas, the event is particularly well placed for viewing. Parts of Europe and Africa can also see the eclipse, depending on local moonset and sunrise conditions. (Space)

Can India See the August 2026 Lunar Eclipse?

No. The August 27–28, 2026 lunar eclipse is not directly visible from India.

The eclipse occurs while the Moon is below the horizon for India, so people in Indian cities cannot watch the actual eclipse in the sky. (The Times of India)

This includes locations such as:

• Chennai
• Bengaluru
• Hyderabad
• Mumbai
• Delhi
• Kolkata
• Ahmedabad

Astronomy enthusiasts in India can instead follow an authorized online livestream.

August 2026 Eclipse and Raksha Bandhan

The August 28 lunar eclipse occurs around the same period as Raksha Bandhan, which makes the event particularly interesting in India.

Because the lunar eclipse is not visible from India, reports indicate that traditional eclipse-related restrictions such as Sutak are generally not applicable based on the usual visibility-based practice. Religious customs can vary between families and traditions. (The Times of India)

Why Does a Lunar Eclipse Happen?

A lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon.

Earth blocks some of the sunlight that normally reaches the Moon. The Moon then passes through Earth’s shadow.

There are two main parts of Earth’s shadow:

Penumbra: The lighter outer shadow.

Umbra: The darker central shadow.

During the August 2026 event, the Moon passes deeply into the umbra, producing the striking partial eclipse. (Royal Museums Greenwich)

Is It Safe to Watch a Lunar Eclipse?

Yes.

A lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye. Unlike a solar eclipse, you do not need special eclipse glasses to look at the Moon during a lunar eclipse.

Binoculars or a telescope can make the changing colors and shadow boundary easier to see.

For photographers, a tripod and a camera with manual controls can help capture the Moon as it changes during the eclipse.

Solar Eclipse Safety

Solar eclipses are different.

Never look directly at the Sun without proper solar eye protection.

Ordinary sunglasses are not sufficient for safely viewing the Sun. NASA recommends appropriate solar-viewing methods and equipment for observing solar eclipses. (NASA Science)

A certified solar viewer or an indirect viewing method should be used during the partial phases of a solar eclipse.

August 2026 Eclipse Quick Facts

August 2026 Eclipse Photos

The August eclipses provide excellent opportunities for astronomy photography.

For the solar eclipse, photographers can capture the Moon covering the Sun and, during totality, the Sun’s outer atmosphere known as the corona.

For the lunar eclipse, a telephoto lens or telescope can capture the Moon’s reddish-orange appearance as Earth’s shadow moves across its surface.

Why Are There Two Eclipses in August 2026?

Solar and lunar eclipses often occur close together because both events require a particular alignment of the Sun, Earth and Moon.

An eclipse season is a period when the geometry of the Moon’s orbit allows eclipses to occur.

That is why a solar eclipse on August 12 is followed by a lunar eclipse about two weeks later on August 27–28. (Time and Date)

Final Thoughts

August 2026 is an exciting month for astronomy, featuring both a total solar eclipse and a very deep partial lunar eclipse.

The August 12 total solar eclipse was visible along a path crossing Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia and parts of Europe. The August 27–28 partial lunar eclipse is expected to be particularly impressive because about 96% of the Moon enters Earth’s darkest shadow. (NASA Science)

For viewers in India, the important point is that the August 28 lunar eclipse is not visible from India, so it cannot be observed directly from cities such as Chennai or Delhi. (The Times of India)

Whether you enjoy astronomy, photography or simply watching unusual events in the night sky, the August 2026 eclipses are memorable celestial events.

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Eclipse August 2026: Learn about the August 12 total solar eclipse and August 27–28 partial lunar eclipse, timings, visibility, India viewing, photos and facts.

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