A Deep Partial Lunar Eclipse Graces the Night Sky on August 27-28, 2026

On the night of August 27-28, 2026, skywatchers across much of North and South America, along with parts of Europe and Africa, will witness one of the most impressive lunar eclipses of the decade. Although classified as a partial lunar eclipse, 96.2% of the Moon's disk will be immersed in Earth's dark umbral shadow, giving it an appearance strikingly similar to that of a total lunar eclipse.

Much of the lunar surface will glow with the deep red and coppery tones commonly associated with a “Blood Moon.” With its dramatic color and near-total coverage of the Moon, this celestial event promises to be a memorable spectacle for observers.

In this guide, we'll explore when and where to watch, what to expect during each stage of the eclipse, and how to make the most of this remarkable astronomical event.

Date Alert: While this event is commonly known as the August 27-28, 2026, Partial Lunar Eclipse, the date on which you experience it depends on your location. Observers across most of North America will see the eclipse on the evening of August 27, while those in parts of Europe and Africa will observe it during the early morning hours of August 28. Be sure to check the eclipse timetable for your specific location, as viewing times vary by time zone.

What Is a Partial Lunar Eclipse?

A partial lunar eclipse occurs when only a portion of the full Moon passes through Earth's dark central shadow, known as the umbra. As the Moon moves into the umbra, the eclipsed portion darkens noticeably and may appear reddish as sunlight is filtered and refracted through Earth's atmosphere. The remainder of the Moon stays relatively bright because it remains within Earth's outer shadow, known as the penumbra, where sunlight is only partially blocked, and any dimming is typically subtle. The greater the portion of the Moon that enters the umbra, the more dramatic and striking the eclipse appears.

Beyond its visual appeal, this eclipse will be completely safe to observe with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse poses no risk to eyesight because the Moon simply reflects sunlight, and no harmful radiation is involved.

Where to See the Lunar Eclipse

Note: All eclipse times below are listed in Local Time and UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), the international standard used by astronomers and scientific organizations worldwide. Convert UTC to your local time zone to determine when the eclipse will be visible from your location.

Key Times (UTC)

The following times are in UTC on August 28, 2026. However, for most observers in North and South America, the eclipse will be visible during the evening of August 27.

• 01:23 UTC – Penumbral eclipse begins
• 02:33 UTC – Partial eclipse begins (Earth's dark umbral shadow begins to cover the Moon)
• 04:12 UTC – Maximum eclipse (greatest eclipse), when nearly 96% of the Moon is immersed in Earth's umbral shadow
• 05:52 UTC – Partial eclipse ends
• 07:02 UTC – Penumbral eclipse ends

Western Hemisphere (Americas)

*Moon is below the horizon.

Eastern Hemisphere (Europe & Africa)

*Moon is below the horizon.

Helpful Hints

• You won’t need special equipment or safety glasses. Go outside and enjoy the view with your own eyes, binoculars, or a telescope! During the partial phase, look for the curved shape of Earth’s shadow as it moves over the Moon.
• If you have binoculars or a telescope available, they will enhance the views and reveal details on the Moon’s surface when basking in Earth’s shadow. Note any color changes on the Moon’s surface as it moves deeper into the umbra.
• Use low- and high-power magnification to monitor Earth’s shadow movement as it transits across lunar terrain such as Tycho, Copernicus, Plato, Mare Imbrium, and Mare Serenitatis. Tracking how these familiar features change in brightness and color throughout the eclipse adds another layer of fun to the observing experience.
• Before the lunar eclipse begins, the full Moon will be bright and wash out all but the brightest stars near it. Look for fainter stars that suddenly appear near the Moon during the deep partial phase.
• If you like to draw, sketch the eclipse in progress and note when prominent lunar craters enter and leave the umbra. Use a Moon map for reference.
• If an eclipse occurs during warmer months, make sure you have bug repellent handy. If an eclipse occurs during colder times of the year, bundle up and dress warmly, especially if you are observing with children. Don’t forget the coffee and hot chocolate!

Photography Tips

Whether you are using a smartphone, DSLR, or mirrorless camera, a lunar eclipse is a great opportunity to capture memorable images of a rare natural phenomenon. Here are some tips to help you photograph the event successfully:

• Use a tripod to keep your camera steady and reduce motion blur, especially during longer exposures.
• Start with an ISO between 200 and 800. As the Moon moves deeper into Earth's shadow and becomes dimmer, gradually increase the ISO as needed while balancing image noise.
• Adjust your exposure settings throughout the eclipse. The Moon's brightness varies significantly across the different phases, so be prepared to adjust shutter speed, aperture, and ISO.
• Use a fixed white balance setting to maintain consistent color throughout the eclipse, especially if you plan to create a time-lapse or eclipse montage.
• Use manual focus if possible. Autofocus can struggle in low-light conditions, and manual focus often produces sharper lunar images.
• Capture an interval sequence throughout the eclipse to create a time-lapse or eclipse montage showing the Moon's progression through Earth's shadow.
• If photographing through a telescope, use a compatible smartphone adapter or a T-adapter plus camera-specific T-ring to capture detailed images of the eclipse. If the Moon appears too large to fit within the frame, consider using a focal reducer to widen the field of view and capture the entire lunar disk.
• Take test shots before the eclipse begins so you can refine your settings and spend more time enjoying the event.
• Shoot in RAW format if your camera supports it. RAW files preserve more detail and provide greater flexibility during post-processing.

Equipment Recommendations

Explore Lunar Eclipse Equipment

While not a total lunar eclipse, the partial lunar eclipse on August 27-28, 2026, comes remarkably close. At maximum eclipse, all but a sliver of the Moon will be immersed in Earth's umbral shadow, creating a dramatic display of color, contrast, and ever-changing lunar features. Visible across North and South America, with portions of the eclipse also observable from western Europe and Africa, this deep partial eclipse promises to be one of the premier skywatching events of the summer of 2026.

So, sit back, relax, and enjoy one of nature's most captivating celestial spectacles with family and friends.

Clear skies and happy lunar eclipse viewing!