Eclipse Calendar 2026 South America & Global Events (Perfect for Photo Tours)

In 2026, there are four major eclipses that astrophotographers will want on their calendars — including solar and lunar eclipse events visible (fully or partially) from South America. These skywatching events are ideal for nightscape photography tours, astrophotography workshops, and creative landscape captures.

1. Annular Solar Eclipse February 17, 2026

• Type: Solar (Annular)

• Date: February 17, 2026

• Visibility: Mostly Antarctica as a complete annular ring (“ring of fire”). Southern parts of Chile and Argentina may see a partial solar eclipse at sunrise/sunset with dramatic lighting for creative photography.

This event is a great opportunity for landscape and sunset eclipse photography that blends foreground terrain, dramatic shadows, and the partial eclipse — perfect for photo tours combining nightscape photography with unique solar scenes.

2. Total Lunar Eclipse March 3, 2026

• Type: Lunar (Total)

• Date: March 3, 2026

• Visibility: South America, North America, Asia, Australia (best views where the moon is above the horizon during totality).

For astrophotographers and nightscape workshops, this total lunar eclipse (often called a “blood moon”) is a premium event for long-exposure work, creative wide-field Milky Way shots paired with the eclipsed moon, and dramatic sky compositions.

3. Total Solar Eclipse August 12, 2026

• Type: Solar (Total)

• Date: August 12, 2026

• Visibility: Not directly over South America, but visible partially in southern regions and spectacular in Spain, Iceland, Greenland (path of totality).

Though the main path of totality doesn’t cross South America, partial views in the far south (e.g., Patagonia) during golden hour can make for dramatic eclipse landscape photography. Cultural tours and astrophotography workshops often combine this with star trails and deep-sky shooting after eclipse sunset.

4. Partial Lunar Eclipse August 27–28, 2026

• Type: Lunar (Partial)

• Date: August 27–28, 2026

• Visibility: South America, North America, Europe, Africa.

This deep partial lunar eclipse (covering ~93% of the Moon) is excellent for nightscape compositions and starry sky photography — especially when paired with foreground landscapes like mountains, deserts, or coastal scenes.

Photo Tour Guide for Eclipse Events 2026

What Makes the 2026 Eclipse Calendar Great for Photographers?

South America’s position gives photographers access to:

• Lunar eclipse phases visible across the continent

• Solar partial eclipses with dynamic lighting

• Nightscape photography opportunities before and after eclipses

• Creative astrophotography sessions for Milky Way and star trails

Integrating eclipse events into photo tours encourages higher organic web traffic through targeted keywords.

Tips for Photographers & Nightscape Enthusiasts

Solar Eclipse Photography Tips

• Always use solar filters to protect eyes and camera sensors.

• Combine eclipse partial phases with dramatic foreground landscapes.

• Shoot in RAW format to capture dynamic range for post-processing.

Lunar Eclipse Photography Tips

• Use longer lenses (200–600 mm) for detailed lunar surface and eclipse progression.

• Pair lunar eclipse shots with foreground silhouettes: tree lines, mountain ranges, rock formations.

• Use tracking mounts for smooth, sharp long exposures during totality.

Nightscape Astrophotography

• After an eclipse event, capture Milky Way panoramas, star trails, or galactic core sessions.

• Combine eclipse dates with moon-phase calendars for darker skies ideal for deep sky astrophotography.