Key Highlights
- Eclipses come in pairs during specific eclipse seasons.
- The next eclipse season begins on February 17, 2026, with an annular solar eclipse followed by a total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026.
- Understanding the lunar nodes helps explain why eclipses are not monthly events.
The Rhythm of Eclipses: Why They Come in Pairs and What an Eclipse Season Really Is
You might think this is new, but… eclipses don’t happen at random. They follow a predictable pattern that makes them almost like clockwork in the celestial realm.
The Predictable Nature of Eclipses
Eclipses come in pairs during specific windows known as eclipse seasons. These seasons occur every 173 days, roughly twice a year, and are a result of the Earth, moon, and sun aligning in such a way that eclipses can take place.
The Next Eclipse Season: A Dazzling Double Act
February 2026 brings us right into one of these celestial spectacles. Starting on February 17, we’ll see an annular solar eclipse followed by a total lunar eclipse just two weeks later on March 3.
The Lunar Nodes: The Key to Understanding Eclipse Seasons
Think of the moon’s orbit as being tilted slightly relative to Earth’s orbital plane around the sun. This tilt means that most new moons and full moons pass above or below the sun, making eclipses rare. But during eclipse seasons, these nodes — the points where the moon’s orbit crosses the ecliptic — come into play.
Why Isn’t There an Eclipse Every Month?
The reason lies in this tilt. As Earth orbits the sun and the moon moves through its tilted path, we see eclipses only when the alignment is just right. NASA’s calculations show that the nodes slowly move westward by 19.3 degrees per year, shifting eclipse seasons by about 19 days each year.
The August Eclipse Season: A More Dramatic Act
August 2026 holds a special treat with a total solar eclipse on August 12 followed by a partial lunar eclipse on August 28. This event is particularly exciting as it includes something not seen since April 8, 2024 — a total solar eclipse.
The Golden Age of Eclipses: 2026
With the promise of three total solar eclipses and three annular ‘ring of fire’ eclipses in just three years, 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible year for stargazers. Don’t miss out on these rare celestial events.
Your Guide to Eclipses
For those interested in getting a front-row seat, Jamie Carter’s guide to the annular eclipse in October 2023 and his website WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com offer a wealth of information on how and where to view these spectacular events.
So, mark your calendars for February and August 2026. These eclipse seasons promise not just two eclipses but a cosmic dance that you won’t want to miss. Happy stargazing!
