A Deep Partial Lunar Eclipse Graces the Night Sky
Stargazers across the Americas are in for a celestial treat on the night of August 27-28, as a near-total partial lunar eclipse—often called a "blood moon"—will darken 96% of the Moon's surface at its peak. According to Astronomy Magazine, the eclipse begins at 9:23 M. EDT when the Moon first enters Earth's penumbral shadow, with the more dramatic partial phase starting at 10:33 M. EDT as the Moon moves into the umbra, the darker inner shadow.
The event is visible across North and South America, as well as parts of western Europe and Africa, making it accessible to millions. The Guardian notes that "millions of people" are expected to witness what it calls "one of nature's marvels." The News International estimates that 3.3 billion people across these regions could potentially see the eclipse, though local viewing times will vary.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
The reddish hue that gives the eclipse its "blood moon" nickname occurs because of the way sunlight filters through Earth's atmosphere. As The Guardian explains, "the Earth's shadow will appear to be reddish due to the way sunlight is scattered by the Earth's atmosphere." During the eclipse, the Moon takes on a dim, dusky orange or red glow, with only a thin sliver of bright white remaining along one limb at maximum.
Timing and Visibility
The eclipse peaks at 12:13 M. EDT on August 28, just six minutes before the official full moon, which occurs at 12:19 M. EDT. This August full moon is traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon, a name derived from the abundant lake fish that Native Americans relied on as a food source at this time of year, according to Astronomy Magazine.
For observers in the eastern United States, the partial eclipse begins high in the sky and continues overnight. In the Mountain time zone, the Moon rises already partially eclipsed, while on the West Coast, the eclipse begins around moonrise. The Moon rises around 7:30 M. local daylight time, positioned in the constellation Aquarius.
The News International notes that on the West Coast—including cities like Los Angeles and Portland—the eclipse will occur a few hours after sunset. In some regions, the eclipse will be visible in the pre-dawn hours as the Moon descends low toward the western horizon.
Viewing the Eclipse
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye and require no special glasses or equipment. "Lunar eclipses are not like solar eclipses—they proceed slowly and can be viewed without any equipment or eye protection at all," Astronomy Magazine advises. The News International echoes this, adding that while no safety gear is needed, a telescope can enhance the experience by delivering a magnified view of the Moon's cratered surface as the dark shadow slowly creeps across it.
A Follow-Up to August's Solar Eclipse
This lunar eclipse follows the dramatic total solar eclipse that occurred earlier in the month, on August 12, which "plunged parts of the continent into a daytime darkness," as The Guardian reports. That event, visible across Europe, drew millions of spectators. The current lunar eclipse offers another chance for skywatchers to observe a rare astronomical phenomenon, this time without the need for protective eyewear.
The eclipse ends completely at 3:02 M. EDT on August 28, when the Moon finally slips out of Earth's penumbral shadow. For those in the right place at the right time, the spectacle will be a slow, mesmerizing display of celestial mechanics.
This article was compiled from reports by Astronomy Magazine, The News International, and The Guardian.