Skywatchers have one more chance to see a lunar eclipse in 2026. A deep partial lunar eclipse will occur on the night of August 27–28, 2026, offering a spectacular celestial show for much of the world. At its peak, Earth’s dark central shadow will cover more than 96% of the Moon’s surface, making it appear dramatically darkened with a rusty, coppery red hue.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Deep partial lunar eclipse |
| Date | August 27–28, 2026 |
| Type | Partial lunar eclipse |
| Maximum Eclipse | 12:12 a.m. EDT / 4:12 UTC (August 28) |
| Coverage at Peak | 96.3% of Moon’s disk in Earth’s umbra |
| Visibility | North America, South America, parts of Europe and Africa |
| US Visibility | Visible across the United States |
| Eye Safety | Safe to view with naked eyes |
The year’s second lunar eclipse takes place on August 27–28, 2026. In North America, the event occurs on the evening of August 27 and continues into the early hours of August 28. For viewers in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, the eclipse unfolds in the pre-dawn hours of August 28.
This is a partial lunar eclipse, meaning only part of the Moon enters Earth’s darkest shadow, known as the umbra. However, at maximum eclipse, a staggering 96.3% of the Moon’s disk will be covered, making it look almost like a total eclipse. About 93% of the Moon’s diameter will be inside the umbra at peak.
The eclipse occurs in several phases:
| Phase | UTC Time | ET Time (Aug 27–28) | CT Time (Aug 27) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penumbral eclipse begins | 1:23 UTC (Aug 28) | 9:23 p.m. EDT (Aug 27) | 8:23 p.m. CDT |
| Partial eclipse begins | 2:34 UTC (Aug 28) | 10:34 p.m. EDT (Aug 27) | 9:34 p.m. CDT |
| Maximum eclipse | 4:12 UTC (Aug 28) | 12:12 a.m. EDT (Aug 28) | 11:12 p.m. CDT (Aug 27) |
| Partial eclipse ends | 5:52 UTC (Aug 28) | 1:52 a.m. EDT (Aug 28) | 12:52 a.m. CDT (Aug 28) |
| Penumbral eclipse ends | 7:01 UTC (Aug 28) | 3:01 a.m. EDT (Aug 28) | 2:01 a.m. CDT (Aug 28) |
Yes, the eclipse will be visible across the United States. The partial phase begins before midnight for most US time zones, making it an accessible evening event.
Visible across Canada with timing similar to US time zones.
Visible in the early morning hours of August 28. In the UK, the partial phase begins at 3:33 a.m. BST, with maximum at 5:12 a.m. BST. However, the Moon sets before the eclipse ends, so the later stages won’t be visible.
Visible in parts of Africa during the early morning of August 28. In Egypt, the peak occurs around sunrise, offering about 93% coverage.
The eclipse will not be visible from India and much of Asia, as it occurs during daytime hours when the Moon is below the horizon.
During maximum eclipse, the Moon will take on a rusty red or coppery color as sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere. The reddish glow comes from sunlight passing through the edge of Earth’s atmosphere, where blue light is scattered and red light continues toward the Moon. This effect is often called a Blood Moon.
However, because the eclipse is partial rather than total, some astronomers hesitate to call it a true “Blood Moon.” A total lunar eclipse occurs when the entire Moon passes through Earth’s umbra. That said, with 96.3% coverage, the effect will look remarkably similar to totality.
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, and Earth’s shadow falls on the Moon. For a partial lunar eclipse, only part of the Moon enters Earth’s darkest shadow (the umbra).
Lunar eclipses can only happen during a full moon, but they don’t happen every month. The Moon’s orbit is tilted about five degrees, so most full moons pass slightly above or below Earth’s shadow.
The August 2026 eclipse is part of Saros 138, a family of eclipses that recur every 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours. The previous member occurred in August 2008, and the next arrives in September 2044.
No special eye protection is required for lunar eclipses. Unlike a solar eclipse, it is completely safe to view with the naked eye.
Tips for best viewing:
Photography tips:
| Date | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|
| March 3, 2026 | Total lunar eclipse | Already occurred |
| August 27–28, 2026 | Partial lunar eclipse | Upcoming |
The August event is the last major lunar eclipse until New Year’s Eve 2028.
1. When is the lunar eclipse in 2026?
The lunar eclipse occurs on August 27–28, 2026. In the US, it’s visible on the evening of August 27 into the early morning of August 28.
2. What time is the lunar eclipse in 2026?
The partial eclipse begins at 10:34 p.m. EDT (9:34 p.m. CDT) on August 27 and reaches maximum at 12:12 a.m. EDT (11:12 p.m. CDT) on August 28.
3. Is the lunar eclipse visible in the United States?
Yes, the eclipse will be visible across the United States.
4. What type of lunar eclipse is this?
It is a partial lunar eclipse, though it will look almost total because 96.3% of the Moon’s disk will be covered by Earth’s shadow.
5. Is it safe to watch a lunar eclipse?
Yes, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye. No special glasses or filters are required.
6. Will the Moon turn red during the eclipse?
Yes, the Moon will appear rusty red or coppery as it enters Earth’s shadow, an effect often called a Blood Moon.
7. Where can I see the August 2026 lunar eclipse?
The eclipse will be visible from North and South America, parts of Europe, and parts of Africa. It will not be visible from India or much of Asia.
8. How long will the lunar eclipse last?
The entire event, including the penumbral phases, lasts about 5 hours and 38 minutes. The partial phase lasts about 3 hours and 18 minutes.
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