Deep Lunar Eclipse Dawns for August's Red Moon

A near-total lunar eclipse will cover about 96% of the Moon in Earth's shadow on August 27-28, 2026.

On the night of August 27 into early August 28, 2026, a deep partial lunar eclipse will see nearly the entire Moon immersed in Earth's shadow. According to Astronomy Magazine, 96% of the Moon's total area will be covered by Earth's inner shadow at maximum eclipse, with only a thin sliver along the Moon's northeastern limb remaining bright white. NBC News reports that 96.2% of the lunar surface will be shrouded at peak, while CBS News similarly cites 96.2% coverage. Il Mattino, citing NASA's astronomical data, puts the figure at 96.3% of the apparent area of the lunar disk. The event follows August 12's total solar eclipse, which was visible from parts of southern Europe, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Russia.

Solar and lunar eclipses typically come in pairs because of the way the Sun, Moon, and Earth align. NBC News explains that solar eclipses occur during the new moon phase, and roughly two weeks later, when the Moon is on the other side of Earth from the Sun, lunar eclipses occur during the full moon phase. The three celestial bodies appear the same size in the sky because the Sun is 400 times farther from Earth than the Moon while also being 400 times bigger, as noted by both NBC News and CBS News. Il Mattino quotes astrophotographer Alessandra Masi, who explains that during eclipse seasons—when the Sun is near the nodes of the lunar orbit—two eclipses can happen about two weeks apart. This August's pairing fits that pattern precisely.

Astronomy Magazine reports that the eclipse begins at 9:23 p.m. EDT on August 27, when the Moon first enters Earth's penumbra, with the partial phase starting at 10:33 p.m. EDT and maximum eclipse at 12:13 a.m. EDT on August 28. NBC News lists the same timeline in ET, adding that the event ends at 3:01 a.m. ET. CBS News, focusing on Chicago, gives local times: the eclipse begins at 9:33 p.m., peaks at about 11:12 p.m., and ends between 12:52 and 12:58 a.m. For Italy, Il Mattino reports the partial phase begins around 4:33–4:34 a.m. local time on August 28, with maximum at 6:13 a.m., though the brightening dawn will challenge observers. Most viewers in North and South America, except Alaska and northernmost Canada, will see every stage, according to NBC News.

During a lunar eclipse, Earth sits between the Sun and the Moon, blocking direct sunlight. However, Earth's atmosphere acts as a filter: blue light is scattered more, while red and orange wavelengths pass through and reach the Moon, giving the shadowed portion a copper to brick-red hue. Il Mattino quotes Alessandra Masi explaining that during a total lunar eclipse the Moon never disappears completely but takes on colors ranging from golden copper to deep brick red, popularly known as the Blood Moon. Since the August 28 event is a partial eclipse, Il Mattino reports that science communicator Alessio Zanol says any red coloration will be modest and will depend on atmospheric conditions. Astronomy Magazine describes the eclipsed portion appearing as a dim, dusky orange or red at maximum.

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses pose no risk to eyesight and require no special glasses or filters. Il Mattino quotes ophthalmologist Domenico Schiano, who reassures that a lunar eclipse does not expose the eyes to direct sunlight. CBS News notes that Chicago-area skies are forecast to be clear all night, and all observers need to do is look to the southeast. For Italy, Il Mattino recommends an observation point with a completely unobstructed view toward the West-Southwest, since the Moon will be very low on the horizon. According to Il Mattino, Sardinia and more westerly areas will have more time to follow the event, with moonset in Cagliari around 6:54 a.m. NBC News adds that binoculars and telescopes can be used for more dramatic views of the slow-moving spectacle.

For those who miss this event, the next eclipses 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, and the next lunar eclipse will take place overnight from February 20 to 21, visible across North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Antarctica, according to NASA. CBS News notes that this deep partial lunar eclipse will be the most impressive lunar eclipse visible in the U.S. before a total lunar eclipse on New Year's Eve in 2028. Astronomy Magazine highlights that August's Full Moon, known as the Sturgeon Moon, officially occurs at 12:19 a.m. EDT on August 28, just minutes after maximum eclipse, tying the lunar phase name to this dramatic celestial event.