Lunar Eclipse Tonight: Peak Time, Visibility And What Skywatchers Can Expect
Deep partial lunar eclipse will make the Moon appear almost red.
A rare partial lunar eclipse will unfold overnight on August 27-28, with nearly the entire Moon expected to pass through the darkest part of Earth’s shadow. About 96.2% of the lunar surface will be covered by the umbra at the peak of the eclipse, leaving only a small portion directly illuminated by sunlight. The eclipsed section could appear reddish or copper-coloured, creating an appearance similar to an almost total “blood moon”.
The eclipse will reach its maximum at 12:12 a.m. EDT on August 28, when the Moon is expected to be deeply immersed in Earth’s umbral shadow. A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves between the Sun and Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall across the lunar surface. During a partial lunar eclipse, the three bodies are not perfectly aligned, meaning only part of the Moon enters the umbra while the remaining portion passes through the lighter penumbra.
The celestial event will be visible from large parts of North and South America, Europe and Africa, although viewing conditions will vary by location. The Americas are expected to have some of the best opportunities because the eclipse’s peak occurs during nighttime. In Europe, the eclipse will take place during the early hours of August 28, with some locations facing limited viewing time as the Moon approaches the horizon and eventually sets.
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In London, maximum eclipse is expected at 5:12 a.m. BST, slightly more than an hour before moonset. Some parts of Spain could also have restricted views because the Moon will be low on the horizon as daylight approaches. Most of India will not be able to witness the peak because the key stages of the eclipse occur during daytime hours in the country.
The eclipse will begin at 9:23 p.m. EDT on August 27, when the Moon enters Earth’s penumbra. The partial phase will begin at 10:33 p.m., followed by maximum eclipse at 12:12 a.m. EDT on August 28. The partial phase will end at 1:51 a.m., while the penumbral phase will conclude at 3:01 a.m. The exact appearance will depend on the observer’s location and local weather conditions.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be viewed safely with the naked eye, meaning special eye protection is not required. Skywatchers can use binoculars or a telescope for a closer view of the changing shadow and the boundary between the illuminated and darkened sections. Choosing a location away from bright city lights, with a clear and unobstructed view of the sky, can further improve the viewing experience.
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