Deep Partial Lunar Eclipse: Near-Total Blood Moon

Outlets say up to 96% of the Moon enters Earth's shadow on Aug 27–28, 2026, turning it blood red.

Overnight on Thursday 27 August and into the early hours of Friday 28 August 2026, Earth will pass between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. Multiple outlets describe this as a deep partial lunar eclipse rather than a total one, but one that comes remarkably close to totality. According to Forbes, at maximum about 96% of the Moon's diameter will be immersed in Earth's umbra. BBC Sky at Night Magazine similarly reports up to 96% coverage of the Earth-facing side, while DOGO News cites approximately 96.2% of the Moon's surface moving into shadow. Because coverage falls just short of full totality, a bright sliver of directly sunlit Moon should remain visible even at peak eclipse.

The eclipse is expected to produce the coppery-red hue popularly known as a Blood Moon. As sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths are scattered while longer red wavelengths are bent and refracted toward the Moon. BBC Sky at Night Magazine notes that this filtered light gives the shadow a yellow-red, copper, or deep orange hue. DOGO News reports NASA scientists explaining to Space.com that the exact color depends on the amount of dust and clouds in the atmosphere, with extra particles from events like volcanic eruptions potentially making the Moon appear a darker shade of red. Forbes describes a subtle copper or brown tint creeping across the darkened portion, with a bright sliver remaining in direct sunlight.

Visibility favors the Americas. DOGO News reports the best views will be from North America, Central America, and South America, with all stages visible high in the sky on the night of 27 August. Europe and Africa, being a few hours ahead, will only see the start before moonset on the morning of 28 August. Forbes gives maximum eclipse at 12:12 a.m. EDT on 28 August (9:12 p.m. PDT on 27 August), advising observers to look an hour either side. BBC Sky at Night Magazine provides detailed regional timetables: for North America, greatest eclipse ranges from 21:12 PDT to 00:12 EDT; for the UK and Europe, greatest eclipse falls at 04:13 UT on 28 August, with the Moon low in the west-southwestern sky under brightening dawn. The Asunción Times reports maximum at 01:19 on 28 August in Paraguay.

Saturn will shine near the Moon during the eclipse, according to Forbes, which describes the event as a chance to see the Blood Moon beside the ringed planet as the sky turns from bluish to black. The eclipsed full Moon will also sit close to the constellation Capricornus, making it an ideal time to spot the faint sea-goat constellation low in the southern sky. Venus continues climbing in the western sky after sunset, Forbes reports, heading toward peak brilliance by mid-September. In Asunción, The Asunción Times says nine computerized telescopes with apertures ranging from eight to 11 inches will be set up at the Costanera Norte, allowing visitors to observe the eclipse, lunar craters, and subtle color changes in detail.

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to observe with the naked eye, requiring no special filters or eclipse glasses. BBC Sky at Night Magazine, Forbes, DOGO News, and The Asunción Times all confirm this safety point. BBC Sky at Night Magazine recommends finding a clear horizon, noting that the summer Sturgeon Moon tracks low across the southern sky, meaning observers need an unobstructed southern view. The magazine also suggests escaping light pollution to better appreciate the subtle red hues, dressing warmly, and bringing binoculars or a small telescope to reveal crater rims and lunar rays slipping in and out of Earth's shadow. DOGO News notes the main partial phase will last 3 hours and 18 minutes, giving plenty of time to watch.

The eclipse coincides with August's full Sturgeon Moon, a traditional North American nickname marking when sturgeon fish were historically most plentiful in the Great Lakes, as BBC Sky at Night Magazine reports. The Times of India's daily Nadi horoscope for 25 August 2026 places the Moon in Capricorn, describing disciplined thinking and structured responsibilities. Forbes notes that the partially eclipsed full Moon will sit close to the zodiac constellation Capricornus, which lies along the ecliptic path followed by the Sun, Moon, and planets. The Times of India also highlights Tripushkar Yoga, said to multiply the effect of repeated actions, and Venus transiting Chitra, associated with refinement and presentation. The Asunción Times reports that MuCi's executive director Paola Martínez says the museum wants science to be for everyone, connecting families and enthusiasts with a hands-on skywatching experience.