In this guide 6 sections
Updated October 10, 2026 · U.S. English
As of October 10, 2026, the next solar eclipse worldwide is an annular eclipse on February 6, 2027. “Next worldwide” does not mean “visible from my home.” The next step is to check a location-specific map, because most people are outside the narrow central path of any given solar eclipse.
The August 12, 2026 total solar eclipse has already happened. It should no longer be promoted as an upcoming 2026 event. This page keeps its original URL but replaces the old 2023 schedule with a dated answer for U.S. readers.
The next two solar eclipses
| Date | Type | What matters for a U.S. observer |
|---|---|---|
| February 6, 2027 | Annular | The event concerns parts of South America, Africa and adjacent oceans; it is not a nationwide U.S. viewing opportunity |
| August 2, 2027 | Total | Totality crosses parts of southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East; NASA lists a partial view in northern Maine |
Swipe or scroll to see all columns
NASA’s future-eclipse schedule, updated September 28, 2026, is the source for these dates and regional summaries. Exact visibility, altitude and contact times still depend on your observing position. A state or regional mention does not imply that every town has the same view.
When is the next total solar eclipse in the contiguous United States?
NASA identifies August 23, 2044 as the next total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States. That is a different question from the next eclipse anywhere in the world. Partial eclipses can be visible much sooner, while totality requires being inside the correct path.
Avoid booking a trip from a national headline alone. First select an exact observing area using an authoritative map. Then compare access, local weather patterns, the Sun’s height and the possibility of moving if conditions change. A hotel near the path is not necessarily a location inside it.
Annular, partial and total are different experiences
During a partial eclipse, only part of the Sun’s bright face is covered. During an annular eclipse, a bright ring remains. During totality, the bright face is fully hidden for a limited period at a location inside the total-eclipse path. These distinctions determine both what you can see and the safety precautions required.
Eye and optical safety
For direct viewing of a partial or annular eclipse, use proper solar-viewing protection; ordinary sunglasses are unsuitable. Inspect viewers and supervise children. Never look through an unfiltered telescope, binoculars or camera while wearing eclipse glasses. Magnifying optics require their own purpose-designed protection.
NASA explains the brief totality exception and the need to restore protection before the bright Sun reappears. If you are unsure of your location, equipment or timing, keep the appropriate protection in place and seek expert guidance. An indirect pinhole projection lets you watch a projected image with your back to the Sun; do not look through the hole.
A practical planning sequence
- Confirm the event date and eclipse type on NASA’s current schedule.
- Use an exact-location map to establish whether you will see any eclipse and whether totality is possible.
- Check local civil time and daylight-saving rules for that location.
- Arrange suitable viewing equipment well before the event and read its instructions.
- Have a weather and travel backup that respects local access rules.
You do not need a telescope to appreciate an eclipse. If you want a dedicated solar instrument for regular observing, read our 2026 solar-telescope guide before choosing equipment. For the remainder of this year, our 2026 stargazing calendar highlights other observing opportunities.
Sources and review notes
Reviewed October 10, 2026. NASA future-eclipse schedule; NASA eclipse overview and 2044 date; NASA August 2026 eclipse; NASA viewing safety.