Partial Lunar Eclipse August 2026: 96% of the Moon Covered
On August 27–28, 2026, a deep partial lunar eclipse will cover about 96% of the Moon. The United States will be among the best places to see it: the entire eclipse will be visible across much of the central and eastern US, while observers farther west will still be able to see the maximum and later stages.
The eclipse will reach its maximum at 04:12 UTC on August 28. That corresponds to 12:12 a.m. EDT on August 28, 11:12 p.m. CDT on August 27, 10:12 p.m. MDT, and 9:12 p.m. PDT.
Use Sky Tonight to check the exact eclipse times, visibility, and Moon position for your location.
Contents
- August 2026 lunar eclipse at a glance
- August 2026 lunar eclipse in the United States
- August 2026 lunar eclipse in the UK and Europe
- August 2026 lunar eclipse in South America
- August 2026 lunar eclipse in Africa
- August 2026 lunar eclipse visibility map and global timeline
- Will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be visible from my city?
- What time will the lunar eclipse be visible from my location?
- How to photograph the August 2026 lunar eclipse
- How to watch the August 2026 lunar eclipse
- What will be near the Moon during the eclipse?
August 2026 lunar eclipse: frequently asked questions
- When is the next lunar eclipse?
- What time is the August 2026 lunar eclipse?
- What time is the August 2026 lunar eclipse in the US?
- Will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be visible in the United States?
- Will the lunar eclipse be visible in New York?
- Will the lunar eclipse be visible in Chicago?
- Will the lunar eclipse be visible in Miami?
- Will the lunar eclipse be visible in Houston?
- Will the lunar eclipse be visible in Dallas?
- Will the lunar eclipse be visible in Los Angeles?
- Will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be visible in Canada?
- Will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be visible in the UK?
- Will the lunar eclipse be visible in London?
- Will the lunar eclipse be visible in South America?
- Will the lunar eclipse be visible in South Africa?
- How long will the August 2026 lunar eclipse last?
- Will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be a Blood Moon?
- Will the Moon turn red during the eclipse?
- Do I need eclipse glasses to watch the lunar eclipse?
- August 2026 lunar eclipse: bottom line
August 2026 lunar eclipse at a glance
- Eclipse type: deep partial lunar eclipse
- Date: August 27–28, 2026
- Maximum eclipse: August 28 at 04:12 UTC
- Partial phase: 02:33–05:52 UTC
- Duration of the partial phase: 3 hours 19 minutes
- Total duration: 5 hours 38 minutes
- Best visibility: the United States, Canada, Central America, and South America
- Visible in the US: yes
- Visible in the UK and Europe: yes, with the Moon low in the western sky
- Visible in South America: yes, with excellent conditions across most of the continent
- Visible in Africa: yes, with the best conditions in western Africa
- Will it be a Blood Moon? The eclipsed part of the Moon may look reddish or copper-colored, but this will not be a total lunar eclipse
- Eye safety: no eclipse glasses or special filters are needed
August 2026 lunar eclipse in the United States
The United States will have some of the best viewing conditions for the August 2026 lunar eclipse. Across much of the central and eastern US, the Moon will remain above the horizon for the entire event.
Where will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be visible in the US?
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The entire eclipse will be visible across much of the central and eastern United States, including New York, Chicago, Miami, Houston, and Dallas. Observers will be able to follow the Moon from the subtle penumbral dimming through the deep partial phase and back to its normal appearance.
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The maximum eclipse will be visible from much of the western United States, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Seattle. The Moon may rise after the eclipse has started, so the beginning of the event could be missed.
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More limited views are expected in Alaska, Hawaii, and the far western Pacific region. In some locations, the Moon will rise too late to see the maximum, leaving only the later partial or penumbral phases visible.
At maximum, about 96% of the lunar disk will be inside Earth’s dark umbral shadow. Most of the Moon may appear dark red, brown, or copper-colored, with a small bright edge remaining outside the shadow.
August 2026 lunar eclipse times in New York, Chicago, Miami, Houston, Dallas, and Los Angeles
| City | Local visibility period | Maximum eclipse | Moon altitude at maximum | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Aug 27, 9:23 p.m.–Aug 28, 3:01 a.m. | Aug 28, 12:12 a.m. | High (38.3°) | Excellent view; the entire eclipse will be visible. |
| Chicago | Aug 27, 8:23 p.m.–Aug 28, 2:01 a.m. | Aug 27, 11:12 p.m. | High (33.3°) | Excellent view of all major phases. |
| Miami | Aug 27, 9:23 p.m.–Aug 28, 3:01 a.m. | Aug 28, 12:12 a.m. | Very high (50.6°) | Excellent view; the entire eclipse will be visible. |
| Houston | Aug 27, 8:23 p.m.–Aug 28, 2:01 a.m. | Aug 27, 11:12 p.m. | High (39.4°) | Excellent view; all major phases will be visible. |
| Dallas | Aug 27, 8:23 p.m.–Aug 28, 2:01 a.m. | Aug 27, 11:12 p.m. | High (36.3°) | The entire eclipse will be visible. |
| Los Angeles | Aug 27, 7:17 p.m.–Aug 28, 12:01 a.m. | Aug 27, 9:12 p.m. | Moderate (21.3°) | Good view of maximum, but the beginning will be missed. |
August 2026 lunar eclipse times across US time zones
The local date of the maximum depends on the time zone. In most of the US, the deepest phase will occur during the evening of August 27. In the Eastern Time Zone, it will happen shortly after midnight on August 28.
- Eastern Time, EDT / UTC−4: maximum at 12:12 a.m. on August 28
- Central Time, CDT / UTC−5: maximum at 11:12 p.m. on August 27
- Mountain Time, MDT / UTC−6: maximum at 10:12 p.m. on August 27
- Pacific Time, PDT / UTC−7: maximum at 9:12 p.m. on August 27
- Alaska Time, AKDT / UTC−8: maximum at 8:12 p.m. on August 27
- Hawaii Time, HST / UTC−10: maximum at 6:12 p.m. on August 27
In the central and eastern US, start watching 30–60 minutes before maximum. In the western states, check the local moonrise time and find a location with a clear eastern horizon.
| Time zone | Penumbral eclipse begins | Partial eclipse begins | Maximum eclipse | Partial eclipse ends | Penumbral eclipse ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EDT / UTC−4 | Aug 27, 9:23 p.m. | Aug 27, 10:33 p.m. | Aug 28, 12:12 a.m. | Aug 28, 1:52 a.m. | Aug 28, 3:01 a.m. |
| CDT / UTC−5 | Aug 27, 8:23 p.m. | Aug 27, 9:33 p.m. | Aug 27, 11:12 p.m. | Aug 28, 12:52 a.m. | Aug 28, 2:01 a.m. |
| MDT / UTC−6 | Aug 27, 7:23 p.m. | Aug 27, 8:33 p.m. | Aug 27, 10:12 p.m. | Aug 27, 11:52 p.m. | Aug 28, 1:01 a.m. |
| PDT / UTC−7 | Aug 27, 6:23 p.m. | Aug 27, 7:33 p.m. | Aug 27, 9:12 p.m. | Aug 27, 10:52 p.m. | Aug 28, 12:01 a.m. |
| AKDT / UTC−8 | Aug 27, 5:23 p.m. | Aug 27, 6:33 p.m. | Aug 27, 8:12 p.m. | Aug 27, 9:52 p.m. | Aug 27, 11:01 p.m. |
| HST / UTC−10 | Aug 27, 3:23 p.m. | Aug 27, 4:33 p.m. | Aug 27, 6:12 p.m. | Aug 27, 7:52 p.m. | Aug 27, 9:01 p.m. |
August 2026 lunar eclipse in the UK and Europe
The eclipse will be visible from much of Europe during the early morning of August 28. The best conditions will be in the UK, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and other parts of western Europe.
The Moon will be descending toward the western horizon throughout the event. Farther east, it will be extremely low or may set before the maximum phase.
Where will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be visible in the UK and Europe?
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The deepest phases will be visible in western Europe, including London, Dublin, Lisbon, Madrid, Paris, and Reykjavík. The Moon will be low in the western sky, but the maximum may still be visible.
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Central Europe will see the eclipse close to moonset, including cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Zurich, and Milan. Buildings, hills, trees, and haze may easily block the view.
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Farther east, including Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Warsaw, Budapest, Bucharest, Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn, the Moon will be extremely low or may set before the deepest phase.
The eclipsed part of the Moon may appear reddish or copper-colored, but the color could be subtle because the Moon will be close to the horizon.
August 2026 lunar eclipse times in London, Dublin, Lisbon, and other European cities
| City | Local visibility period | Maximum eclipse | Moon altitude at maximum | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | Aug 28, 2:23–6:15 a.m. | Aug 28, 5:12 a.m. | Very low (7.8°) | Maximum may be visible if the western horizon is completely clear. |
| Dublin | Aug 28, 2:23–6:38 a.m. | Aug 28, 5:12 a.m. | Low (10.3°) | The deepest phase will be visible with a clear western horizon. |
| Lisbon | Aug 28, 2:23–7:10 a.m. | Aug 28, 5:12 a.m. | Low to moderate (19.7°) | One of Europe’s best views; a clear western horizon is recommended. |
| Madrid | Aug 28, 3:23–7:46 a.m. | Aug 28, 6:12 a.m. | Low (15.2°) | Maximum should be visible with a clear western horizon. |
| Paris | Aug 28, 3:23–7:09 a.m. | Aug 28, 6:12 a.m. | Very low (7.6°) | Difficult view; buildings or haze may block the Moon. |
| Berlin | Aug 28, 3:23–6:16 a.m. | Aug 28, 6:12 a.m. | Almost on the horizon (0.3°) | Maximum will be extremely difficult to observe. |
August 2026 lunar eclipse times across European time zones
The eclipse maximum will occur at different local clock times across Europe:
- WEST, BST, and IST / UTC+1: 5:12 a.m. on August 28
- CEST / UTC+2: 6:12 a.m. on August 28
- EEST / UTC+3: 7:12 a.m. on August 28
| Time zone | Penumbral eclipse begins | Partial eclipse begins | Maximum eclipse | Partial eclipse ends | Penumbral eclipse ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WEST, BST, IST / UTC+1 | Aug 28, 2:23 a.m. | Aug 28, 3:33 a.m. | Aug 28, 5:12 a.m. | Aug 28, 6:52 a.m. | Aug 28, 8:01 a.m. |
| CEST / UTC+2 | Aug 28, 3:23 a.m. | Aug 28, 4:33 a.m. | Aug 28, 6:12 a.m. | Aug 28, 7:52 a.m. | Aug 28, 9:01 a.m. |
| EEST / UTC+3 | Aug 28, 4:23 a.m. | Aug 28, 5:33 a.m. | Aug 28, 7:12 a.m. | Aug 28, 8:52 a.m. | Aug 28, 10:01 a.m. |
These are the local clock times of the global maximum, not guaranteed visibility times. In some locations, the Moon will set before the listed time.
Observers in western Europe should begin watching before maximum and choose a location with a completely open view toward the west.
August 2026 lunar eclipse in South America
South America will have excellent viewing conditions. Across most of the continent, the Moon will remain above the horizon for the entire eclipse and will be high in the sky during maximum.
Observers will be able to follow the eclipse from the first subtle penumbral dimming to the end of the event.
Where will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be visible in South America?
The entire eclipse will be visible from cities including Buenos Aires, Santiago, Montevideo, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Lima, Bogotá, Quito, Caracas, La Paz, and Asunción.
Observers will first notice a slight dimming during the penumbral phase. A dark “bite” will then begin to grow across the Moon as it enters Earth’s umbra. At maximum, about 96% of the disk will be covered.
August 2026 lunar eclipse times in Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, Bogotá, and Caracas
| City | Local visibility period | Maximum eclipse | Moon altitude at maximum | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | Aug 27, 10:23 p.m.–Aug 28, 4:01 a.m. | Aug 28, 1:12 a.m. | Very high (63.9°) | Excellent view; the entire eclipse will be visible. |
| Santiago | Aug 27, 9:23 p.m.–Aug 28, 3:01 a.m. | Aug 28, 12:12 a.m. | Very high (64.5°) | Excellent conditions throughout the eclipse. |
| Lima | Aug 27, 8:23 p.m.–Aug 28, 2:01 a.m. | Aug 27, 11:12 p.m. | Very high (75.8°) | The Moon will be very high during maximum. |
| Bogotá | Aug 27, 8:23 p.m.–Aug 28, 2:01 a.m. | Aug 27, 11:12 p.m. | Very high (72.0°) | Excellent conditions; all phases will be visible. |
| Caracas | Aug 27, 9:23 p.m.–Aug 28, 3:01 a.m. | Aug 28, 12:12 a.m. | Very high (69.5°) | The entire eclipse will be visible with the Moon high in the sky. |
August 2026 lunar eclipse times across South American time zones
The maximum will occur at the following local times:
- UTC−5: 11:12 p.m. on August 27 — Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador
- UTC−4: 12:12 a.m. on August 28 — Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Venezuela
- UTC−3: 1:12 a.m. on August 28 — Argentina, Uruguay, and eastern Brazil
| Time zone | Penumbral eclipse begins | Partial eclipse begins | Maximum eclipse | Partial eclipse ends | Penumbral eclipse ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UTC−5 | Aug 27, 8:23 p.m. | Aug 27, 9:33 p.m. | Aug 27, 11:12 p.m. | Aug 28, 12:52 a.m. | Aug 28, 2:01 a.m. |
| UTC−4 | Aug 27, 9:23 p.m. | Aug 27, 10:33 p.m. | Aug 28, 12:12 a.m. | Aug 28, 1:52 a.m. | Aug 28, 3:01 a.m. |
| UTC−3 | Aug 27, 10:23 p.m. | Aug 27, 11:33 p.m. | Aug 28, 1:12 a.m. | Aug 28, 2:52 a.m. | Aug 28, 4:01 a.m. |
In most of South America, there is no need to find a specially unobstructed horizon because the Moon will be high during maximum. Cloud cover will be the main factor affecting visibility.
August 2026 lunar eclipse in Africa
The eclipse will be visible from much of Africa before sunrise on August 28. Western and northwestern Africa will have the best conditions, while observers farther east may lose the Moon below the horizon before maximum.
Where will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be visible in Africa?
- Western Africa will have the best conditions, with the Moon still relatively high during maximum.
- Central and southern Africa will see the Moon lower in the western sky.
- Eastern and northeastern Africa may see only the earlier phases because the Moon will set before or near maximum.
August 2026 lunar eclipse times in Dakar, Casablanca, Lagos, Cape Town, and Cairo
| City | Local visibility period | Maximum eclipse | Moon altitude at maximum | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakar | Aug 28, 1:23–7:05 a.m. | Aug 28, 4:12 a.m. | High (38.0°) | One of Africa’s best views; maximum will be visible. |
| Casablanca | Aug 28, 2:23–7:09 a.m. | Aug 28, 5:12 a.m. | Moderate (21.2°) | Good view; a clear western horizon is recommended. |
| Lagos | Aug 28, 2:23–6:44 a.m. | Aug 28, 5:12 a.m. | Moderate (21.0°) | Maximum will be visible as the Moon moves toward the horizon. |
| Cape Town | Aug 28, 3:23–7:12 a.m. | Aug 28, 6:12 a.m. | Low (11.3°) | Maximum may be visible with a clear western horizon. |
| Cairo | Aug 28, 4:23–6:31 a.m. | Aug 28, 7:12 a.m. | Below the horizon | The Moon will set before maximum; only earlier phases may be visible. |
August 2026 lunar eclipse times across African time zones
The global maximum will occur at:
- UTC: 4:12 a.m. on August 28
- UTC+1: 5:12 a.m. on August 28
- UTC+2: 6:12 a.m. on August 28
- UTC+3: 7:12 a.m. on August 28
| Time zone | Penumbral eclipse begins | Partial eclipse begins | Maximum eclipse | Partial eclipse ends | Penumbral eclipse ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UTC | Aug 28, 1:23 a.m. | Aug 28, 2:33 a.m. | Aug 28, 4:12 a.m. | Aug 28, 5:52 a.m. | Aug 28, 7:01 a.m. |
| UTC+1 | Aug 28, 2:23 a.m. | Aug 28, 3:33 a.m. | Aug 28, 5:12 a.m. | Aug 28, 6:52 a.m. | Aug 28, 8:01 a.m. |
| UTC+2 | Aug 28, 3:23 a.m. | Aug 28, 4:33 a.m. | Aug 28, 6:12 a.m. | Aug 28, 7:52 a.m. | Aug 28, 9:01 a.m. |
| UTC+3 | Aug 28, 4:23 a.m. | Aug 28, 5:33 a.m. | Aug 28, 7:12 a.m. | Aug 28, 8:52 a.m. | Aug 28, 10:01 a.m. |
The listed clock time does not guarantee that the Moon will still be above the horizon. Observers in central, eastern, and southern Africa should check their local moonset time and choose a location with an open western horizon.
August 2026 lunar eclipse visibility map and global timeline
A lunar eclipse does not follow a narrow path like a solar eclipse. It can be seen from anywhere the Moon is above the horizon during the event.
- The entire eclipse: much of the central and eastern US, Canada, Central America, South America, Greenland, and Antarctica
- Moonrise during the eclipse: western North America and parts of the Pacific
- Moonset during the eclipse: Europe and Africa
- Limited penumbral visibility: parts of Oceania and western Asia
- Not visible: Australia and much of Asia, including India, China, Southeast Asia, and most of Russia
The maximum eclipse occurs at 04:12 UTC on August 28.
August 2026 lunar eclipse global timeline
| Time | Eclipse phase | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 01:23 UTC | Penumbral eclipse begins | The Moon enters Earth’s faint outer shadow; the dimming is subtle. |
| 02:33 UTC | Partial eclipse begins | Earth’s dark umbral shadow begins to cover the Moon. |
| 04:12 UTC | Maximum eclipse | About 96% of the lunar disk is covered. |
| 05:52 UTC | Partial eclipse ends | Earth’s dark shadow completely leaves the lunar disk. |
| 07:01 UTC | Penumbral eclipse ends | The Moon leaves Earth’s outer shadow and the eclipse ends. |
Will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be visible from my city?
The easiest way to check whether the eclipse will be visible from your exact location is to use the Sky Tonight app. It shows local eclipse times, visibility, the Moon’s position in your sky, and a detailed visibility map.
- Open the app and enter “lunar eclipse” in the search field.
- Select the August 2026 partial lunar eclipse.
- Check the local visibility period shown below the event image.
- Open the visibility map to see which phases can be observed from your region.
- Use the sky map and compass mode to find where the Moon will appear.
This is particularly useful in locations where the Moon rises or sets during the eclipse.
What time will the lunar eclipse be visible from my location?
Use Eclipse Guide to find the exact local times of every eclipse phase.
Open the app, select your location, and Eclipse Guide will automatically calculate:
- when the penumbral phase begins;
- when the partial phase begins;
- the time of maximum eclipse;
- when the partial phase ends;
- which phases will actually be above your horizon.
The app is especially helpful for western North America, Europe, and Africa, where moonrise or moonset affects how much of the eclipse can be seen.
How to photograph the August 2026 lunar eclipse
Arrive early and take several test shots before the eclipse reaches its deepest phase. This will give you time to check the Moon’s position, choose a composition, focus correctly, and adjust the exposure.
The Moon’s brightness will change significantly during the eclipse. At first, expose for a normal bright Full Moon. As Earth’s shadow covers more of the disk, you may need to increase the exposure to capture detail in the darker area.
Near maximum, the small illuminated edge may still be much brighter than the eclipsed part, so take several photos using different exposure settings.
- Use a tripod or stable phone mount.
- Avoid relying on night mode if it turns the Moon into a bright white spot.
- Use a telephoto lens if one is available.
- Keep exposure times short enough to prevent motion blur.
- Adjust the settings as the Moon becomes darker.
- Take a photo every 10–15 minutes to create a sequence showing the shadow moving across the Moon.
- If the Moon is low, include a skyline, trees, hills, or buildings in the composition.
For more detailed settings and techniques, see our guide on how to photograph a lunar eclipse.
How to watch the August 2026 lunar eclipse
Lunar eclipses are safe to observe with the naked eye. You do not need eclipse glasses, solar filters, or any other protective equipment.
- Start watching 30–60 minutes before maximum.
- Check the weather forecast and cloud cover.
- Choose a location with an open view of the Moon.
- In western North America, look for a clear eastern horizon near moonrise.
- In Europe and Africa, find a clear western horizon before moonset.
- Use binoculars or a small telescope to see the edge of Earth’s shadow more clearly.
Now that you know when and where to see the eclipse, test your knowledge with our solar and lunar eclipse quiz.
What will be near the Moon during the eclipse?
During the August 2026 partial lunar eclipse, the Moon will be in the constellation Aquarius.
- In Aquarius, the Y-shaped Water Jar asterism will appear about 8° above the Moon. The Helix Nebula and globular cluster M2 will both be about 13° away. M2 is the easier binocular or small-telescope target.
- In Pegasus, the bright star Enif and globular cluster M15 will be about 20° above the Moon.
- In Piscis Austrinus, look for Fomalhaut about 20° below the Moon. At magnitude 1.1, it should be easy to spot if the horizon is clear.
- In Pisces, look for the Circlet of Pisces and bright Saturn. Neptune will also be nearby but will require optical aid.
August 2026 lunar eclipse: frequently asked questions
When is the next lunar eclipse?
The next lunar eclipse is the deep partial lunar eclipse of August 27–28, 2026. At maximum, about 96% of the Moon will be covered by Earth’s umbral shadow.
The following lunar eclipse will be a penumbral eclipse on February 20–21, 2027. See our regularly updated guide to the next five solar and lunar eclipses.
What time is the August 2026 lunar eclipse?
The eclipse reaches maximum at 04:12 UTC on August 28, 2026. The partial phase lasts from 02:33 to 05:52 UTC.
What time is the August 2026 lunar eclipse in the US?
Maximum occurs at:
- 12:12 a.m. EDT on August 28
- 11:12 p.m. CDT on August 27
- 10:12 p.m. MDT on August 27
- 9:12 p.m. PDT on August 27
Will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be visible in the United States?
Yes. The entire eclipse will be visible across much of the central and eastern United States. In the western US, the Moon will rise after the eclipse begins, but maximum and the later phases will still be visible from many locations.
Will the lunar eclipse be visible in New York?
Yes. In New York, maximum occurs at 12:12 a.m. on August 28, with the Moon about 38.3° above the horizon. The entire eclipse will be visible.
Will the lunar eclipse be visible in Chicago?
Yes. Maximum occurs at 11:12 p.m. on August 27, with the Moon about 33.3° above the horizon. All major phases will be visible.
Will the lunar eclipse be visible in Miami?
Yes. Maximum occurs at 12:12 a.m. on August 28. The Moon will be well above the horizon, and the entire eclipse will be visible.
Will the lunar eclipse be visible in Houston?
Yes. Maximum occurs at 11:12 p.m. on August 27. The entire eclipse will be visible, including the deepest partial phase.
Will the lunar eclipse be visible in Dallas?
Yes. Maximum occurs at 11:12 p.m. on August 27. Observers will be able to follow all major stages of the eclipse.
Will the lunar eclipse be visible in Los Angeles?
Yes, but the Moon will rise after the eclipse has begun. Maximum occurs at 9:12 p.m. on August 27, with the Moon about 21.3° above the horizon.
Will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be visible in Canada?
Yes. The entire eclipse will be visible from much of central and eastern Canada. Farther west, observers may miss the beginning but should still see maximum and the later stages.
Will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be visible in the UK?
Yes. Maximum occurs at 5:12 a.m. on August 28. The Moon will be very low in the western sky, so an unobstructed horizon will be essential.
Will the lunar eclipse be visible in London?
Yes, but viewing conditions will be difficult. At maximum, the Moon will be only about 7.8° above the horizon.
Will the lunar eclipse be visible in South America?
Yes. Most of South America will have excellent conditions, with the entire eclipse visible and the Moon high during maximum.
Will the lunar eclipse be visible in South Africa?
Yes, but the Moon will be low in the western sky. In Cape Town, maximum occurs at 6:12 a.m., with the Moon about 11.3° above the horizon.
How long will the August 2026 lunar eclipse last?
The entire eclipse will last 5 hours 38 minutes, from 01:23 to 07:01 UTC. The partial phase will last 3 hours 19 minutes, from 02:33 to 05:52 UTC.
Will the August 2026 lunar eclipse be a Blood Moon?
Not exactly. “Blood Moon” usually refers to a total lunar eclipse, when the entire Moon enters Earth’s dark umbral shadow. During this eclipse, a small bright edge will remain outside the umbra.
Learn more in our complete guide to lunar eclipses.
Will the Moon turn red during the eclipse?
The eclipsed portion may appear dark red, brown, or copper-colored, especially near maximum. However, the entire Moon will not turn red because this is a partial eclipse.
Do I need eclipse glasses to watch the lunar eclipse?
No. Lunar eclipses are safe to observe with the naked eye. Eclipse glasses, filters, and other eye protection are not required.
August 2026 lunar eclipse: bottom line
The deep partial lunar eclipse of August 27–28, 2026 will cover about 96% of the Moon, making it look almost total.
The United States will have some of the best viewing conditions. Across much of the central and eastern US, the entire eclipse will be visible. In the western states, the Moon will rise after the event begins, but maximum should still be visible in many locations.
South America will also have excellent conditions, with the Moon high in the sky. In the UK, Europe, and Africa, the eclipse will occur close to moonset, so a clear western horizon will be essential.
Use Sky Tonight to check the exact local times and visibility from your city.
About two weeks earlier, a total solar eclipse will occur on August 12, 2026. Unlike a solar eclipse, the August 28 lunar eclipse can be watched safely without eye protection.
The August 2026 eclipse occurs during the Sturgeon Moon
The eclipse will take place during the August Full Moon, traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon. Learn more about its name, meaning, and timing in our guide to the Sturgeon Full Moon.
