Solar Eclipse 2026: Everything Kiwis Need to Know About the Next Big 'Blackout' Visible from Mexico

Remember back in March 2025, when the sky went a bit spooky for a while? That solar eclipse on 29 March 2025 was just a taste. For those left wanting more, mark this date: 12 August 2026 is when the real big one hits. Experts have confirmed it, and Mexico will have a prime spot to enjoy it, even if it's just a spectacular partial eclipse.

August 2026: The day the sun disappears mid-morning

The solar eclipse on 12 August 2026 will be total in other parts of the world – mainly northern Spain, Iceland, and Greenland – but here in Mexico, we'll witness a major partial blackout. If the weather plays ball, we'll see the Moon take a bite out of the Sun, leaving a brilliant crescent shape. It'll be like our star is wearing an earring for a few minutes. The most precise calculations suggest the action will start around 10 am (Central Mexico time) and hit its peak near 11:30 am. Keep in mind: the exact duration and how much of the Sun is covered will depend on where you are. Northern cities like Tijuana or Hermosillo will get the best view; in the centre and south, it'll be a bit less pronounced, but still mind-blowing.

What the March 2025 eclipse gave us, and other celestial memories

Anyone who caught the solar eclipse on 29 March 2025 knows the unique thrill of watching the light change and the temperature drop. That was a fairly consistent partial eclipse across the country. But digging through the memory bank, we've had other events too: the solar eclipse on 13 July 2018 was barely visible in Mexico's far south, almost imperceptible, and only the hardcore enthusiasts spotted it at sunset. A month later, the solar eclipse on 11 August 2018 also passed by without much fanfare here, as its main show was over the North Pole. But life goes in cycles: now it's our turn to be in the spotlight.

Get ready like a pro: Dates and top tips

You don't easily catch a Mexican off guard when it comes to looking at the sky. Here are my tips, mate, from someone who's been through a few eclipses:

• Get certified eclipse glasses: Forget smoked glass or old camera film. For the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026, you need filters that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard, otherwise, your eyes will be in for a world of pain.
• Find a clear spot: Rooftops, parks, or hills. The higher you are and the fewer buildings around, the better.
• Arrive early: These events last a couple of hours. If you rock up at 10:05 am, you've already missed the start. The climax will be between 11:20 am and 11:50 am, depending on your city.
• Don't rely on the weather: August is rainy season in many parts. Have a Plan B and check the forecast a few days out.

And if you're already planning the next one, pencil in the solar eclipse on 2 August 2027. That one will cross North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, but it will also be visible as a partial from Mexico, though not as intense as the 2026 event.

Experience it Kiwi-style: with mates, snacks, and plenty of curiosity

This isn't just about science; it's a perfect excuse to get your crew together, grab some chairs, and make a morning of it. The key thing is that we all look up carefully and soak up that moment when day turns into night for a few minutes. Get 12 August 2026 marked on your calendar. This, my friends, is a must-see.