Partial Lunar Eclipse 2026: When and Where to See the Near-Total “Blood Moon” Across the Americas

Skywatchers across North America, South America and parts of Europe and Africa will be treated to a dramatic partial lunar eclipse on the night of Thursday, August 27, into early Friday, August 28, 2026.

Although it is officially classified as a partial lunar eclipse, approximately 96% of the full Moon will pass into Earth’s dark shadow, making it appear remarkably close to a total eclipse. During the deepest stage, much of the Moon may develop a striking copper, rust-red or orange appearance.

The Americas will have some of the best views of the celestial event, weather permitting.

What Time Is the August 2026 Lunar Eclipse?

The eclipse will unfold over more than five hours, beginning with a subtle penumbral phase before Earth’s darker central shadow starts covering the Moon.

Eastern Time

Penumbral eclipse begins: 9:24 p.m. on August 27 Partial eclipse begins: 10:34 p.m. Maximum eclipse: 12:13 a.m. on August 28 Partial eclipse ends: 1:52 a.m. Penumbral eclipse ends: 3:02 a.m.

Central Time

Penumbral eclipse begins: 8:24 p.m. Partial eclipse begins: 9:34 p.m. Maximum eclipse: 11:13 p.m. Partial eclipse ends: 12:52 a.m. Penumbral eclipse ends: 2:02 a.m.

Mountain Time

Penumbral eclipse begins: 7:24 p.m. Partial eclipse begins: 8:34 p.m. Maximum eclipse: 10:13 p.m. Partial eclipse ends: 11:52 p.m. Penumbral eclipse ends: 1:02 a.m.

Pacific Time

Penumbral eclipse begins: 6:24 p.m. Partial eclipse begins: 7:34 p.m. Maximum eclipse: 9:13 p.m. Partial eclipse ends: 10:52 p.m. Penumbral eclipse ends: 12:02 a.m.

Times may vary slightly by location, and observers in western areas should check the local moonrise time because the earliest phase may begin before the Moon rises.

Where Will the Partial Lunar Eclipse Be Visible?

The eclipse will be visible from most locations where the Moon is above the horizon, including:

The United States Canada Mexico Central America The Caribbean South America Parts of Europe Parts of Africa Portions of western Asia

Most of North and South America will be well positioned to observe the eclipse. Viewers along the East Coast—including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Miami and Atlanta—should be able to watch the full partial phase high in the nighttime sky.

The eclipse will also be visible from cities including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Los Angeles, Toronto, Mexico City, Kingston, São Paulo and Buenos Aires, provided skies are clear. West Coast viewers may see the Moon rising while the eclipse is already underway.

Observers in Europe and Africa may catch the eclipse during the early morning hours of August 28 as the Moon moves toward the western horizon.

Where Is the Best Place to Watch?

You do not need to travel to a designated eclipse path. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be seen from nearly anywhere on the nighttime side of Earth.

For the best experience, choose:

A location with a clear view of the Moon An open park, beach, rooftop or backyard An area away from tall buildings and trees A place with limited artificial lighting A location with clear or partly clear skies

People in western North America should look for an unobstructed eastern or southeastern horizon because the Moon may be relatively low when the partial phase begins.

Why Could the Moon Turn Red?

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves between the Sun and the full Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall across the lunar surface.

At maximum eclipse, nearly the entire Moon will be inside Earth’s darkest shadow, known as the umbra. Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is filtered and bent toward the Moon. Blue light is scattered more easily, while red and orange wavelengths continue through the atmosphere.

This process can give the eclipsed portion of the Moon a copper-red color—the same reason total lunar eclipses are commonly called “blood moons.”

Because a small section of the Moon will remain outside the deepest shadow, this event is not technically a total blood moon. However, its appearance could be nearly as impressive.

Do You Need Eclipse Glasses?

No. Lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye.

Special eclipse glasses are only required when looking directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse. You can watch this lunar eclipse without filters or protective eyewear.

Binoculars or a telescope are optional but may provide a more detailed view of the changing colors and Earth’s curved shadow moving across the lunar surface.

Tips for Photographing the Eclipse

A smartphone can capture the event, but better results may require a tripod and manual camera controls.

Try the following:

Keep the camera steady with a tripod Turn off the flash Use a timer or remote shutter Lower the exposure if the Moon appears too bright Use optical zoom instead of excessive digital zoom Include a skyline, landmark or landscape for perspective Take photographs throughout the eclipse to document its different stages

The Moon will become much darker near maximum eclipse, so photographers may need to increase exposure time or ISO settings.

What If the Weather Is Cloudy?

Cloud cover is the main factor that could interfere with viewing. Check the local forecast during the afternoon of August 27 and consider traveling to a nearby location with clearer skies if conditions are unfavorable.

Several astronomy organizations are also expected to provide online telescope coverage. Timeanddate.com plans to stream the eclipse live for viewers who cannot see it outdoors.

A Major Skywatching Event for 2026

The August 27–28 partial lunar eclipse will be one of the most memorable astronomical events of 2026. With approximately 96% of the Moon entering Earth’s shadow, viewers can expect a dramatic transformation at maximum eclipse.

No tickets, special glasses or expensive equipment are required. Find a dark location, look toward the Moon and allow time for your eyes to adjust.

For location-specific visibility and exact local times, use the interactive eclipse map from Timeanddate.com. The event is also confirmed on NASA’s 2026 skywatching guide.