Near-total blood moon eclipse dazzles US

A near-total lunar eclipse turned the moon red across the US, falling just short of totality.

A striking partial lunar eclipse on the night of August 27–28, 2026, turned the moon a deep reddish-orange across much of the United States, producing what's commonly called a "blood moon." About 96% of the moon passed through Earth's umbra, falling just short of a total lunar eclipse. According to WLWT, NASA confirmed the near-miss coverage figure, while WLUK's Phil DeCastro independently reported the same 96% measurement. The Colorado Sun noted that the eclipse began altering the moon's tint around 8:30 p.m. Mountain Time and would last until 1 a.m., with peak viewing in Colorado projected between 9:45 and 10:45 p.m.

Despite the dramatic appearance, the August 2026 event was officially classified as a partial rather than total lunar eclipse. The distinction hinges on whether the entire lunar disk passes through Earth's dark inner shadow, the umbra. According to The Colorado Sun, meteorologist Chris Bianchi predicted that 92% to 95% of the moon's surface would be covered at peak in Colorado — a slightly more conservative range than the 96% figure reported by other outlets. As WLUK described, the result was a near-complete shadowing that left only the top sliver of the moon bright white, creating a striking visual contrast with the reddish remainder of the lunar surface.

Forecast clarity differed markedly by region. The Colorado Sun reported that Front Range skies were looking clear, with meteorologist Chris Bianchi estimating a 70 to 80% chance of good viewing conditions around peak. Bianchi also told The Colorado Sun that cloud cover was more likely south of the Palmer Divide, particularly around Colorado Springs, La Junta, and Lamar. WSMV reported partly cloudy skies across Middle Tennessee, where the eclipse began at 9:33 p.m. Central Time, peaked at 11:12 p.m., and ended at 12:51 a.m. The differing timelines reflect the wide geographic spread of observers catching the same celestial event from different vantage points.

Both regional outlets offered practical guidance for skywatchers hoping to catch the most brilliant moments. The Colorado Sun quoted Bianchi recommending that viewers steer clear of city lights and head east past Denver International Airport, though he noted a higher chance of clouds in that direction and advised being ready to drive to a clearer spot. WSMV similarly recommended finding a dark location away from bright city lights, noting that while the eclipse was visible even in urban areas like downtown Nashville, binoculars or a telescope would offer an enhanced, detailed viewing experience. WSMV also emphasized that, unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye.

This near-total eclipse represented a rare and broadly accessible astronomical phenomenon that required no special equipment to enjoy. The high coverage percentage meant that even casual observers stepping outside during peak hours would have witnessed a dramatic color transformation on the lunar surface. WLUK reported that FOX 11 viewers from across Northeast Wisconsin shared photos and videos of the eclipse through the station's Chime In feature, underscoring the widespread public engagement with the event. The combination of high visibility, naked-eye accessibility, and a dramatic visual effect made the August 2026 eclipse a standout skywatching moment for observers across multiple states.

According to WLWT, a 2027 total solar eclipse is on the horizon, offering another opportunity for skywatchers to experience a dramatic celestial display. For those who captured Thursday night's blood moon, the event served as a reminder that even near-total eclipses can deliver striking visual experiences. As WLUK reported, FOX 11 viewers from across Northeast Wisconsin eagerly shared their photos and videos of the event, reflecting the broad public enthusiasm for accessible astronomical phenomena.