About eclipse countdowns
When is the next eclipse? This page answers it with live countdowns: the total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026 over Greenland, Iceland and Spain; the deep partial lunar eclipse a fortnight later on August 28; and the colossal total eclipse of August 2, 2027 over Egypt — the longest totality on land this century at 6 minutes 23 seconds.
Eclipses are astronomy's most precise appointments — timed to the second, decades ahead, by pure orbital mechanics. They are also its most moving spectacle: totality turns day to twilight, reveals the Sun's corona, and reliably converts casual onlookers into people who plan their holidays around the Moon's shadow.
The 2026–2027 pair is a once-in-a-generation gift for Europe, Africa and the Middle East: the first mainland-European totality since 1999, followed by the century's best a year later over the temples of Luxor. Each eclipse page covers the path, the timings, where to stand and how to watch safely. Eclipse chasing starts with a countdown — three of them are above.
FAQ
When is the next solar eclipse?
August 12, 2026 — total across Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain, with greatest eclipse at 17:46 UTC. Most of Europe sees a deep partial.
When is the next lunar eclipse?
August 27–28, 2026 — a deep partial (93%) visible from the Americas, Europe and Africa. Lunar eclipses are safe to watch with no equipment.
Why is the 2027 eclipse such a big deal?
Totality lasts up to 6 minutes 23 seconds near Luxor, Egypt — the longest on land between 1991 and 2114, in a region with near-certain clear skies.
Do I need special glasses?
For solar eclipses, yes — certified eclipse glasses at all times except the seconds of totality. Lunar eclipses need no protection at all.