Full Breakdown
Deep-Partial Lunar Eclipse — August 27-28 2026
8/23/2026, 12:27:37 AM
Core Event
On the night of August 27 into August 28 2026 the Moon will pass through Earth’s umbral shadow, producing a deep-partial lunar eclipse. Between 93 % and 96 % of the lunar disk will be immersed in the umbra, creating a reddish-orange “blood-moon” while a thin sliver remains illuminated by direct sunlight. The penumbral phase begins around 9:23 p.m. ET on August 27, the partial phase starts at 10:33 p.m. ET, reaches maximum just after midnight ET on August 28, ends near 1:51 a.m. ET, and the penumbral exit occurs at 3:01 a.m. ET. The entire event lasts roughly 5½ hours.
Visibility & Timing
The eclipse will be fully visible across the night side of the Americas—North, Central and South America—including the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and the Caribbean. In Europe, Africa and the Middle East the Moon will set during the eclipse; in the western Pacific the Moon will rise while the eclipse is underway. Local peak times vary:
- West Coast U.S. (e.g., Los Angeles, Portland) – maximum just after midnight local time.
- East Coast U.S. (e.g., New York, Jacksonville) – maximum around 12:12 a.m. ET.
- United Kingdom and central Europe – maximum shortly before sunrise on August 28.
Approximately 3.3 billion people (about 44 % of the world’s population) will be able to see at least part of the eclipse.
Data & Statistics
| Metric | Reported Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Umbra coverage (maximum) | 96 % (some viewers) | Space.com, AP, Independent |
| Umbra coverage (maximum) | 93 % (other viewers) | Space.com, Weather.com, Newsday |
| Partial-phase duration | ~3.5 hours | Weather.com, Space.com |
| Total eclipse duration (penumbra + partial) | ~5.5 hours | AP, Independent |
| Expected visibility | Americas, Europe, Africa, parts of western Asia | Multiple outlets |
Official Statements & Responses
- Jim Todd, Director of Space Education at OMSI, emphasizes safety: “Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with the naked eye, binoculars or telescopes.”
- Jessica Meir, commander of the ISS, noted that orbiting crew will have a “unique perspective” on the eclipse.
All agencies stress that no special eye protection is required, though binoculars or telescopes can enhance detail.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local observatories are organizing public viewings: the Schmidt College of Science’s Observatory in Boca Raton (Florida) will host free viewing from 9 p.m. ET on August 27; Michigan’s dark-sky sites and Oregon’s Willamette Valley are also highlighted for clear skies. Weather forecasts suggest generally favorable conditions across the United States, though scattered thunderstorms could affect portions of the Northeast and Central Plains.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact maximum coverage (93 % vs 96 %). No definitive cloud-cover forecast is available for the night, leaving viewing conditions uncertain for some regions. A few outlets list the peak at 12:13 a.m. EDT instead of 12:12 a.m. ET.
What’s Next
The next total lunar eclipse will occur on December 31 2028, followed by another total eclipse on June 26 2029. Penumbral eclipses are expected in 2027 and early 2028. Astronomical societies plan live-stream coverage for those unable to view the August event in person.
