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Lunar and solar eclipses: the next dates in Switzerland
A solar eclipse happens when the Moon moves in front of the Sun. A lunar eclipse happens when it enters the Earth’s shadow. Here are all eclipses of the coming years that can be seen from Zurich, with times and strength.
The next eclipses in Zurich
Calculated for Zurich, times in Swiss time, as of 19 October 2026. Elsewhere in the country times and coverage differ by a few minutes and per cent. Purely penumbral lunar eclipses are not listed, as they are hardly noticeable.
| Date | Type | In Zurich | Visible |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 August 2027 | Solar eclipse | Sun 58 % covered | 10:07 to 12:17 Maximum at 11:11 |
| 12 January 2028 | Lunar eclipse | partial, up to 6 % of the Moon in the umbra | 04:48 to 05:40 |
| 26 January 2028 | Solar eclipse | Sun 28 % covered | 16:43 to 17:15 Maximum at 17:15 |
| 31 December 2028 | Lunar eclipse | total | 16:42 to 19:36 Totality 17:18 to 18:26 |
| 26 June 2029 | Lunar eclipse | total | 03:33 to 05:29 Totality 04:33 to 05:29 |
| 20 December 2029 | Lunar eclipse | total | 21:57 to 01:29 Totality 23:15 to 00:11 |
| 1 June 2030 | Solar eclipse | Sun 61 % covered | 06:16 to 08:20 Maximum at 07:16 |
| 15 June 2030 | Lunar eclipse | partial, up to 25 % of the Moon in the umbra | 21:23 to 21:45 |
| 18 October 2032 | Lunar eclipse | total | 19:31 to 22:43 Totality 20:47 to 21:27 |
| 14 April 2033 | Lunar eclipse | total | 20:11 to 23:01 Totality 20:53 to 21:37 |
| 28 September 2034 | Lunar eclipse | partial, up to 6 % of the Moon in the umbra | 04:22 to 05:18 |
The calculation comes from the 3D model (under “Explore”, “Moon phases & eclipses”). Spot checks agree with specialist press reports.
Solar eclipse 2026 and lunar eclipse 2026: looking back at August
On 12 August 2026 the total solar eclipse crossed Greenland, Iceland and Spain. In Switzerland it was only partial: it began in the early evening, in Zurich the Moon covered more than 90 % of the Sun, and the maximum came just after 8 pm, shortly before sunset.
On 28 August 2026 a partial lunar eclipse followed. In Switzerland it could be seen in the early morning, shortly before sunrise.
Watching a solar eclipse safely: glasses, filters and binoculars
- Never look at the Sun without protection, not even when it is almost completely covered.
- Solar eclipse glasses must be certified to ISO 12312-2 and undamaged.
- Binoculars and telescopes need a solar filter in front of the lens, not at the eyepiece.
- A lunar eclipse, by contrast, is safe to watch without protection.
Frequently asked questions about eclipses
When is the next solar eclipse in Switzerland?
The next solar eclipse visible from Zurich is on 2 August 2027: the Moon will cover about 58 % of the Sun, with the maximum at 11:11. It is a partial eclipse; the total phase passes over southern Spain, North Africa and Arabia.
When is the next lunar eclipse in Switzerland?
The next lunar eclipse visible from Zurich is on 12 January 2028. It is only faint (partial, at most 6 % of the Moon in the umbra). The next total lunar eclipse follows on 31 December 2028.
When will there be another total solar eclipse in Switzerland?
The next total solar eclipse whose umbra crosses Swiss soil is on 3 September 2081. Partial eclipses are much more frequent.
How do I watch a solar eclipse safely?
Only with certified eclipse glasses to ISO 12312-2 or with a solar filter in front of binoculars or a telescope. Ordinary sunglasses are not enough. Even a brief unprotected look at the Sun can permanently damage your eyes.
What is the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse?
In a solar eclipse the Moon moves in front of the Sun (only at new moon). In a lunar eclipse the Moon enters the Earth’s shadow (only at full moon). A lunar eclipse can be seen from anywhere the Moon is in the sky, and it is harmless to the naked eye.
Why is there not an eclipse every month?
The Moon’s orbit is tilted by about 5 degrees against the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Most months the Moon therefore passes above or below the Sun and the Earth’s shadow. An eclipse happens only when new or full moon lies close to the orbital plane.
Sources
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