August 27–28, 2026 Partial Lunar Eclipse

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What Makes This Eclipse Special

The August 2026 partial lunar eclipse stands out for several reasons that make it a must-see event for skywatchers across the Eastern Hemisphere.

Exceptionally High Magnitude

With an umbral magnitude of 0.961, this eclipse falls just short of being classified as total (which requires a magnitude of 1.0 or greater). To put that in perspective, only 3.9% of the Moon's diameter will remain outside Earth's dark shadow at maximum eclipse. The result is a nearly-total eclipse where almost the entire lunar disk will take on the characteristic deep red and copper tones of a Blood Moon, with just a thin bright sliver persisting along one edge.

This makes the August 2026 eclipse the deepest partial lunar eclipse since the near-total eclipse of July 16, 2019 (magnitude 0.657 was less, but the November 19, 2021 eclipse had a magnitude of 0.974 — even closer to total). For observers in Europe and Africa, this will be the most dramatic lunar eclipse in several years.

Part of a Remarkable Eclipse Season

The August 2026 eclipse occurs just 15 days after the total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026. This is no coincidence — lunar and solar eclipses always come in pairs (or sometimes triplets) during what astronomers call an "eclipse season." The two-week gap reflects the time it takes the Moon to travel from one node of its orbit (where it crosses the ecliptic) to the opposite node. Eclipse seasons happen roughly every 173 days, and each one can produce one to three eclipses.

Favorable Timing for Evening Viewers

For observers in Europe, the entire eclipse unfolds during convenient evening hours. Maximum eclipse occurs around midnight local time in Western Europe, meaning you do not need to set an alarm for the middle of the night to catch the best part. In Africa and the Middle East, the eclipse is equally well-timed, with maximum occurring during the late evening.

No Total Lunar Eclipse Until 2028

There will not be another total lunar eclipse visible anywhere on Earth until December 31, 2028. The eclipses of 2027 are penumbral only, and the January 2028 eclipse is a very shallow partial. This makes the August 2026 event the most dramatic umbral lunar eclipse for over two years — another reason not to miss it.

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Exact Timing and Phases

A lunar eclipse unfolds through a series of well-defined contact points as the Moon moves through Earth's shadow. Understanding these phases helps you know what to look for and when.

Contact Definitions

Phase Timing (UTC)

Phase Durations

The umbral phase — the part where you can clearly see the dark shadow on the Moon — lasts just over two hours. That is a generous window for observation and photography. The penumbral phase is subtler; you may notice a slight dimming of the Moon before U1 and after U4, but it is the umbral phase that delivers the dramatic visual show.

What to Expect at Each Phase

P1 to U1 (1 hour 18 minutes): The Moon begins to enter Earth's penumbral shadow. You may notice a very subtle dimming on the left side of the Moon (as seen from the Northern Hemisphere), but many observers will not perceive any change until minutes before U1.

U1 (21:08 UTC): The dark umbral shadow makes its first contact with the Moon's limb. A distinct "bite" appears on the Moon's edge, growing steadily over the next hour. The shadow edge is curved — this is Earth's shadow, and the curve is a direct demonstration that Earth is round.

Greatest eclipse (22:12 UTC): 96.1% of the Moon's diameter is covered. The eclipsed portion glows red, orange, or copper due to refracted sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere. A thin bright sliver remains on the southern limb of the Moon. This is the peak of the eclipse and the most visually striking moment.

U4 (23:16 UTC): The umbral shadow leaves the Moon entirely. The "bite" disappears, though the penumbral shading may linger for another hour or so.

P4 (00:34 UTC): The eclipse is completely over. The Moon returns to its normal full brightness.

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Timing Table by Time Zone

Note: Times are approximate. Moon altitude values are rough estimates and depend on exact latitude. For observers in East Asia and eastern Australia, the Moon rises during the eclipse, meaning early phases may be missed.

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Visibility Map Description

The August 2026 partial lunar eclipse is visible from a vast swath of the planet, encompassing more than half of Earth's populated landmasses.

Fully Visible Regions

The entire umbral phase (U1 through U4) is visible from:

• All of Europe: From Iceland to western Russia, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, continental Europe, and the Mediterranean
• All of Africa: From Morocco to South Africa, and from Senegal to the Horn of Africa
• Middle East: Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, and the Gulf states
• Western and Central Asia: India, Pakistan, Central Asian republics

Moon-Rise During Eclipse

Observers in the following regions will see the Moon rise while the eclipse is already in progress:

• East Asia: Eastern China, Korea, and Japan — the Moon rises during or after the umbral phase
• Southeast Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines — Moon rises during the partial phase
• Eastern Australia: Melbourne, Sydney — Moon rises before maximum eclipse

Not Visible

The eclipse is not visible from the Americas, as it occurs during the daytime when the Moon is below the horizon. Hawaii and the Pacific Islands west of the International Date Line may catch the final penumbral stages at moonrise.

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Magnitude and How Much of the Moon Will Be Covered

The umbral magnitude of this eclipse is 0.961. This means that at maximum eclipse, the Moon's limb extends 0.961 lunar diameters into Earth's umbral shadow, measured along the shadow's axis.

Visual Interpretation

In practical terms, here is what this means for observers:

• 96.1% of the Moon's diameter will be within the umbra at maximum eclipse
• Approximately 93% of the Moon's area will be darkened
• A thin, bright crescent will remain visible along the Moon's southern edge
• The eclipsed 93% will display red, orange, and copper tones — the deeper into the umbra, the richer the color
• The remaining bright sliver will provide a striking contrast, making this one of the most photogenic partial eclipses possible

Why the Color Appears

The red coloring during a deep partial lunar eclipse is caused by the same mechanism as in a total eclipse. Sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere is refracted — bent — into the shadow. Short-wavelength light (blue, violet) is scattered away by atmospheric particles (Rayleigh scattering), while long-wavelength light (red, orange) passes through and illuminates the Moon. The amount and shade of red depends on atmospheric conditions: volcanic eruptions, dust, and wildfire smoke can deepen the color significantly.

Danjon Scale Estimate

Astronomers rate the brightness and color of lunar eclipses using the Danjon Scale, from L=0 (very dark, almost invisible Moon) to L=4 (very bright, orange-red with a bright blue edge). The August 2026 eclipse is expected to rate around L=2 to L=3 — a deep red or rust-colored eclipse with the central umbra noticeably darker than the edges. This is a preliminary estimate; the actual Danjon number will depend on Earth's atmospheric conditions at the time.

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How to Watch: Equipment and Tips

Naked Eye Viewing

The simplest and often most satisfying way to watch a lunar eclipse is with your unaided eyes. Find a comfortable spot with a clear view of the sky, give your eyes 15–20 minutes to adapt to the darkness, and simply watch the show unfold. The slow, majestic progression of Earth's shadow across the Moon is a spectacle that connects you to the rhythms of the solar system.

Binoculars

A pair of binoculars dramatically enhances the experience. Even standard 7×35 or 10×50 binoculars will reveal:

• The sharp, curved edge of Earth's umbral shadow
• Subtle color gradients across the eclipsed portion
• Stars that become visible near the Moon as it dims

Telescope

A small to medium telescope (60mm–150mm aperture) provides the most detailed view. You will be able to see:

• Individual craters being swallowed by the advancing shadow
• Color variations within the umbra
• The precise moment of contact at U1 and U4 as the shadow touches individual features

Practical Checklist

• Check weather forecast 2–3 days ahead
• Find a viewing spot with minimal obstructions
• Bring warm clothing (even August nights get cool)
• Set up equipment 30 minutes before U1
• Allow eyes to dark-adapt
• Have a red flashlight to preserve night vision
• Bring snacks and water — the eclipse lasts several hours

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Photographing a Partial Lunar Eclipse

Camera and Lens Recommendations

Exposure Settings by Phase

Advanced Techniques

HDR and Exposure Bracketing: The enormous dynamic range between the bright uneclipsed sliver and the dark red shadow means no single exposure can capture both. Use exposure bracketing (3–5 shots at different exposures) and combine them in post-processing for an HDR image.

Composite Sequences: Mount your camera on a tripod and take one photo every 5–10 minutes throughout the eclipse. In post-processing, align the Moon images and arrange them in a horizontal or arc sequence showing the eclipse's progression. This is a classic and dramatic astrophotography technique.

Star Trails with Eclipsed Moon: Use a wide-angle lens (14–24mm) and take long exposures to capture the eclipsed Moon among the stars. The dimmed Moon during deep partial eclipse allows background stars to appear that would normally be washed out.

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How This Compares to the August 12 Total Solar Eclipse

Just fifteen days before this lunar eclipse, on August 12, 2026, a total solar eclipse crosses the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain. These two eclipses form an eclipse pair, and comparing them highlights the stark differences between lunar and solar eclipses.

While the total solar eclipse is undeniably the more dramatic event, the partial lunar eclipse offers something the solar eclipse cannot: accessibility. Hundreds of millions of people will see the lunar eclipse simply by stepping outside, while the solar eclipse's totality will be witnessed by only those who travel to a very specific geographic strip.

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Upcoming Lunar Eclipses After This One

If clouds spoil your view of the August 2026 eclipse, or if you simply want to plan ahead, here are the next several lunar eclipses:

The next total lunar eclipse is not until December 31, 2028, and the two penumbral eclipses of 2027 will be visually subtle — even the most dedicated observers may struggle to notice them. The January and July 2028 partial eclipses are both shallow. This makes the August 2026 event, with its near-total magnitude, the most visually impressive umbral lunar eclipse for more than two years.

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