Sky-watching: Three years of solar eclipses begin in 2026.

A rare run of six major solar eclipses begins in 2026 and continues through 2028, including total eclipses on Aug. 12, 2026; Aug. 2, 2027; and July 22, 2028.

A rare stretch of solar eclipses begins in 2026 and will continue through 2028, offering repeated opportunities for observers and scientists alike. The series includes three total solar eclipses and three annular eclipses, with paths crossing many populated regions. These events are noted both for their brief dramatic effects on daylight and for the scientific value they provide when the Sun's outer atmosphere becomes visible. Interest is heightened by a particularly long total eclipse on Aug. 2, 2027, which the article reports could last up to 6 minutes, 22 seconds and will pass over historic sites such as Luxor, Egypt. Key details: - Six headline eclipses are scheduled between 2026 and 2028, made up of three total and three annular events. - Total eclipses highlighted include Aug. 12, 2026 (sweeping Greenland, Iceland, Spain, and parts of northern Africa), Aug. 2, 2027 (southern Spain, North Africa, and the Middle East), and July 22, 2028 (across Australia and nearby regions). - The article notes annular eclipses in October 2027, February 2027, and January 2028, with paths across South America, Africa, and Asia. - Observed effects during totality often include sudden dimming, silence among birds, streetlights turning on, and a metallic-looking sky; solar physicists value totality for studying the Sun's corona. - Eye safety is mentioned as a concern in reporting: certified eclipse glasses are described as blocking harmful rays during partial phases, and viewing the naked Sun is reported as safe only during totality. - Weather and local conditions can influence visibility; the article notes clearer skies are sometimes more likely in deserts, high plains, and stable coastal summer patterns. Summary: This run of eclipses is expected to create memorable public viewing moments and provide opportunities for scientific observation. Specific major dates and paths are reported for 2026–2028, and the sequence concludes in mid-2028; further local conditions and viewing details are undetermined at this time.