A deep partial lunar eclipse on August 27–28, 2026, will darken 96% of the Moon’s surface, visible across the Americas, Africa, Europe, and western Asia. The event, occurring during a full moon, will cast the Moon in a reddish hue as Earth’s atmosphere refracts sunlight.
The August 27–28, 2026, partial lunar eclipse will be one of the most striking celestial events of the year, with 96% of the Moon’s surface engulfed in Earth’s shadow. The eclipse, which occurs during a full moon, will turn the Moon a reddish color as sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere, bending around the planet and casting a coppery glow onto the lunar surface. This phenomenon, often called a “blood moon,” will be visible to observers across the Americas, Africa, Europe, and western Asia, though timing and visibility will vary by location.
When and Where the Eclipse Will Occur
The eclipse will begin on August 27 and conclude on August 28, with the peak occurring at 12:13 a.m. EDT on August 28. For viewers in the Americas, the event will be most visible during the night of August 27, with the Moon rising in shadow just after the partial phases commence. In the United States, the eclipse will be visible from coast to coast, though Hawaiʻi and parts of Alaska will miss the full spectacle. In Europe and Africa, the eclipse will occur during the early morning hours, with the Moon setting in the west as dawn approaches. The event will not be visible from Australia, India, China, or Japan, as the Moon will be below the horizon during the eclipse.
According to Sky & Telescope, the eclipse will be widely visible across the Americas, Africa, Europe, and western Asia. Space confirms that 3.3 billion people will have a view of the event, with the exact timing depending on local time zones.
What Makes This Eclipse Unique
This eclipse is classified as a “deep partial” because the Moon will pass deeply into Earth’s umbra, the darkest part of the shadow. At maximum eclipse, 93% of the Moon’s diameter will be covered by the umbra, with 96% of its surface obscured. Unlike a total lunar eclipse, the Moon will not fully disappear into the shadow, but the reddish hue will be more pronounced due to the deep penetration into the umbra. The eclipse will last for several hours, with the penumbral phase beginning about 30 minutes before the partial eclipse and lasting until 30 minutes after the partial phase ends.
The reddish color of the Moon during the eclipse is caused by sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere. As the light travels through the atmosphere, shorter wavelengths (blue and green) are scattered, while longer wavelengths (red and orange) pass through and are refracted into the umbra. This same effect is responsible for the vibrant colors of sunsets and sunrises. Sky & Telescope explains that the Moon’s appearance will be influenced by atmospheric conditions, with clearer skies producing a more vivid red hue.
Historical and Cultural Context
The ancient Babylonians, who were the first to predict eclipses, believed they foretold the death of the king. To avert this fate, they would install a substitute king
to take the monarch’s place temporarily. This ritual, described in Sky & Telescope, was meant to trick the omen and protect the real ruler. While such practices are no longer followed, the cultural significance of eclipses persists, with modern observers often expressing frustration at clouds blocking the view.
Historically, lunar eclipses have been interpreted in various ways across cultures. In many ancient societies, a blood moon was seen as a sign of divine anger or impending disaster. Today, the event is more commonly viewed as a natural phenomenon, though the same awe and wonder remain. Sky & Telescope notes that the eclipse will offer a rare opportunity to witness a celestial event that has captivated humans for millennia.
How to View and Photograph the Eclipse
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes. No protective filters are required, making it an accessible event for amateur and professional astronomers alike. For those interested in capturing the eclipse, Space recommends using a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens to frame the Moon against a landscape. An interactive shutter speed calculator from Xavier Jubier can help photographers determine the best settings for capturing the event.
For viewers in the Americas, the eclipse will be visible shortly after sunset on the West Coast, with the Moon rising in shadow. On the East Coast, the peak of the eclipse will occur around midnight local time. In Europe and Africa, the event will be an early morning spectacle, with the Moon setting in the west as the sky begins to brighten. Sky & Telescope provides a detailed table of eclipse phases by time zone, including the exact times for penumbra entry, partial eclipse start, greatest eclipse, and penumbra exit.
However, the August event remains unique due to its deep partial nature and the vivid red hue it will produce. Space notes that the next time a similar deep partial eclipse occurs will be until New Years Eve 2028-2029.
For those unable to view the eclipse due to weather or location, Space will provide live coverage and updates, offering a chance to experience the event remotely. Whether viewed in person or through a live stream, the August 2026 partial lunar eclipse promises to be a memorable celestial spectacle.
