Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Partial Lunar Eclipse Will Darken 96% of Sturgeon Moon
A partial lunar eclipse happens when Earth’s shadow covers only part of the Moon.
This eclipse will take place overnight on August 27 and into August 28.
About 96% of the Sturgeon Moon will enter Earth’s darkest shadow.
The covered part may look reddish or copper-colored.
People in parts of Europe, Africa, and the Americas will be able to see it.
People in India will not see it because the event happens during the daytime there.
The eclipse will reach its peak around 04:12 UTC.
Viewers should find an open place with a clear view of the western sky.
It is safe to watch a lunar eclipse without special glasses.
A deep partial lunar eclipse will occur overnight from August 27 into August 28.
Earth’s shadow will cover about 96% of the full Sturgeon Moon.
The eclipse will be visible across parts of Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
The eclipse will not be visible in India because it occurs there during daylight.
Maximum coverage is expected around 04:12 UTC, with the Moon low near the western horizon.
- Who
- Stargazers in parts of Europe, Africa, and the Americas can observe the event.
- What
- A deep partial lunar eclipse will cover about 96% of the full Sturgeon Moon.
- When
- It begins around 02:33 UTC on August 28 and peaks around 04:12 UTC, after occurring overnight from August 27.
- Where
- It will be visible across Western Europe, parts of Africa, and most of the Americas, but not India, Hawai'i, or parts of Alaska.
- Why
- The eclipse occurs because the Sun, Earth, and Moon are imperfectly aligned, causing the Moon to pass through part of Earth’s umbra.
- Event
- Deep partial lunar eclipse
- Moon
- The full Sturgeon Moon
- Maximum coverage
- Approximately 96% of the Moon
- Start time
- Around 02:33 UTC on August 28
- Peak time
- Around 04:12 UTC
- Best viewing direction
- An unobstructed view toward the western horizon
- Viewing safety
- Safe to view with the naked eye; binoculars or a small telescope may enhance the coppery tones