Near-Total Lunar Eclipse Dawns Over America

A deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible across the US overnight Aug 27-28.

The overnight hours of August 27–28 bring a deep partial lunar eclipse visible across a vast swath of the globe. NBC News reports that nearly the entire moon — 96.2% at the eclipse's peak — will be shrouded in Earth's shadow. According to TODAY.com, about 3 billion people, or roughly 44% of the world's population, will be able to see at least some of the eclipse, with nearly 1 billion able to view the entire event. The eclipse follows a total solar eclipse that darkened skies over Spain, Iceland, Greenland, and Siberia earlier in August.

The eclipse timeline is consistent across multiple outlets. ET, with Earth's shadow starting to envelop the lunar surface at 10:33 p.m. ET. Maximum eclipse arrives at 12:12 a.m. ET, and the event concludes at 3:01 a.m. ET when the moon exits Earth's shadow. Spectrum News advises viewers to find a spot with a clear view of the southeastern sky, away from city lights. TODAY.com reports that NASA confirms all 50 states will be able to see the eclipse, which will also be visible in South America, Africa, and western Europe.

While the eclipse is deep, it falls just short of totality. NBC News explains that at the eclipse's peak, 96.2% of the lunar surface will be covered by Earth's shadow — enough to produce the reddish-orange "blood moon" effect caused by Earth's atmosphere scattering sunlight. According to NBC 6 South Florida, from Miami the eclipse will cover about 93% of the moon, enough that at times it may resemble a total eclipse. The moon moves deep into the umbra, the darkest part of Earth's shadow, leaving only a small fraction still directly lit by the sun.

This lunar eclipse arrives just two weeks after a total solar eclipse crossed parts of southern Europe. Astronomer Catherine Pilachowski, speaking to TODAY.com, explains that eclipses come in pairs because of the orientation of the moon's orbit: if the sun, moon, and Earth align for a solar eclipse, the sun-Earth-moon alignment needed for a lunar eclipse often follows about two weeks later. NBC News adds that the sun is 400 times farther from Earth than the moon while also being 400 times bigger, making them appear the same size in the sky — a coincidence that enables eclipses as we experience them.

The Times of India offers astrological advice for the August 28 lunar eclipse, describing it as a deep partial Chandra Grahan traditionally associated with temporary confusion, heightened emotions, and incomplete information. The outlet advises against posting major life decisions, emotional relationship posts, confidential information, financial claims, or angry messages on social media during the eclipse period. The guidance is framed not as fear but as timing: the suggestion is to wait until emotions clear before sharing sensitive information or making consequential decisions public.

For those who miss this event, the next celestial opportunities are already on the calendar. NBC News reports that the next solar eclipse will occur on February 6, visible in parts of South America and Africa, while the next lunar eclipse will take place overnight February 20–21. In the meantime, skywatchers can safely view lunar eclipses with the naked eye, unlike solar eclipses which require special protection.