Lunar Eclipse 2026: The total partial lunar eclipse on August 2026 will be a fascinating observation, especially due to the fact that it is going to be an exceptionally deep partial eclipse. During August 27-28, almost 96.2 percent of the surface of the Moon will experience the darkest Earth shadow, resulting in spectacular reddish orange colour. NASA describes this observation as a partial lunar eclipse observable from the Americas, Europe and Africa.
What is Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes in between the Sun and the Moon causing the Earth’s shadow to fall on the moon. In case of a partial lunar eclipse, a portion of the Moon goes through the umbra while the other remains outside it.
Lunar Eclipse 2026: Date & Time
| Event | Time |
| Date | August 27-28, 2026 |
| Type | Deep partial lunar eclipse |
| Penumbral phase begins | 01:24 UTC, Aug 28 |
| Partial phase begins | 02:34 UTC |
| Maximum eclipse | 04:12 UTC |
| Partial phase ends | 05:52 UTC |
| Entire eclipse ends | 07:02 UTC |
| Moon in umbra | About 96.2% |
| Overall duration | About 5 hours 38 minutes |
The precise NASA catalogue value for greatest eclipse is 04:14 UTC, while location-based eclipse calculations commonly give about 04:12 UTC.
Lunar Eclipse 2026: Where to Watch August 2026 Lunar Eclipse
The eclipse will favour observers in North and South America, Europe and Africa while parts of western Asia, the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans and Antarctica will also fall within the broader visibility zone.
Lunar Eclipse 2026: Where Will It Be Visible in August?
The August 27-28, 2026 deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible across several regions of the world. About 96.2% of the Moon will enter Earth’s dark umbral shadow, making it a notable eclipse for skywatchers.
- North America: Visible across much of the continent.
- Central America: Many locations will be able to observe the eclipse.
- South America: The eclipse will be visible from large parts of the continent.
- Europe: Much of Europe will get an opportunity to watch the event.
- Africa: The eclipse will be visible across large parts of Africa.
- Western Asia: Some areas of western Asia will also fall within the visibility zone.
- Atlantic Ocean: The eclipse will be observable from parts of the Atlantic region.
- Pacific Ocean: Some areas of the Pacific will also experience the eclipse.
- India: The August 2026 lunar eclipse will not be visible from India.
- Australia: Australia is also outside the main visibility zone for this eclipse.
Lunar Eclipse 2026: Will the August 2026 Lunar Eclipse be Visible in India?
No. The August 28 partial lunar eclipse will not be visible from India as India’s Meteorological Department has also listed the event as not visible from India.
Lunar Eclipse 2026: When to Watch Lunar Eclipse in UK
In London, the partial phase begins at about 3:33 am BST on August 28, reaches maximum at 5:12 am, and ends around 6:15 am while the penumbral phase starts earlier, at 2:23 am.
Lunar Eclipse 2026: When to Watch Lunar Eclipse in US
In New York, the penumbral phase begins at 9:23 pm EDT on August 27, the partial eclipse starts at 10:34 pm and maximum occurs at 12:12 am on August 28 and the partial phase ends around 1:52 am.
Lunar Eclipse 2026: When to Watch Lunar Eclipse in Europe
Europe is one area that has the potential to experience some part of the eclipse even though the timing may vary from one place to another. The western parts of Europe need to know the position of the moon as this happens during early morning hours
Lunar Eclipse 2026: When to Watch Lunar Eclipse in Australia
Australia is not one of the prime areas to watch the partial solar eclipse that occurs on 20 August 2026. The skywatchers can plan to see the penumbral lunar eclipse on 20-21 February 2027 when NASA will declare it as visible from Australia.
Lunar Eclipse 2026: What Should You Do During Lunar Eclipse
- Locate a place where the view of the moon is clear.
- Look at the weather forecast beforehand.
- Observe how the earth’s shadow slowly covers the moon.
- Observe the moon through binoculars or a telescope.
- Take pictures of the moon using a tripod.
- If the eclipse cannot be observed locally, watch it via livestream.
Lunar Eclipse 2026: Why Is It Known as Blood Moon?
The event could also be referred to as a blood moon as the part of the moon that experiences the eclipse turns reddish-orange. The atmosphere of the Earth tends to scatter blue light, making the red and orange light reach the moon but blood moon is just an informal term for this eclipse.
Lunar Eclipse 2026: How to Watch a Lunar Eclipse Safely
- A lunar eclipse can be observed with the naked eye.
- There is no need to use special eclipse goggles while watching a lunar eclipse.
- Telescopes and binoculars can be employed without using any filter.
- Do not get confused between watching tips for lunar eclipse and observing tips for a solar eclipse.
- Dark surroundings will add more to the visibility experience.
What is the Difference Between Lunar & Solar Eclipse
- Lunar eclipse happens when Earth lies between the Sun and Moon.
- Solar eclipse happens when the Moon comes between the Sun and Earth.
- Lunar eclipses happen at the time of full Moon; solar eclipses happen at the time of new Moon.
- A lunar eclipse can be seen from a much wider area on Earth.
- Solar eclipse requires eye protection whereas no eye protection is needed for lunar eclipse.
| Feature | Lunar Eclipse | Solar Eclipse |
| Alignment | Sun-Earth-Moon | Sun-Moon-Earth |
| Moon phase | Full Moon | New Moon |
| Shadow falls on | Moon | Earth |
| Direct viewing | Safe | Unsafe without protection |
| Visibility | Large part of night side | Narrower path |
When is Next Lunar Eclipse
The next lunar eclipse after August 2026 will occur on February 20, 2027 and will be a penumbral eclipse. NASA also lists further penumbral events in July and August 2027.
| Date | Type | Main visibility |
| Feb. 20, 2027 | Penumbral | Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, western Australia |
| July 18, 2027 | Penumbral | Africa, Asia, Australia, Pacific |
| Aug. 17, 2027 | Penumbral | Pacific and Americas |
Disclaimer: Eclipse timings and visibility vary by location; check local astronomical data and weather conditions before planning your observation.
