A Nearly Total Lunar Eclipse Is Coming

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August has one more spectacular sight in store for skywatchers. On the night of August 27–28, a deep partial lunar eclipse will transform the full Moon as it passes through Earth's shadow.

At maximum eclipse, 93% of the lunar disk will enter the umbra, the darkest portion of Earth's shadow. Only a thin sliver of the Moon will remain outside, while the rest of the lunar disk takes on shades of deep orange or red.



Virtually all of the contiguous U.S., the eastern two-thirds of Canada, and all of South America will have an opportunity to watch the eclipse. Better yet, you don't need any special equipment or eye protection to enjoy it. Binoculars or a small telescope can make the view even more striking.


The eclipse begins this week. Find out when to look from your location, what to watch for during each stage, and how to make the most of this nearly total lunar eclipse when you subscribe to Sky & Telescope.

Subscribe by August 31 to receive your complimentary 2026 Eclipse Guide, exclusively available to new subscribers for a limited time!

More to Explore

Explore the year's eclipses.


Learn more about every solar and lunar eclipse taking place in 2026.

Plan for meteor season.

Discover what makes the Perseids one of the year's premier meteor showers and see what other showers are still to come in 2026.

Take a tour of the August sky.


Listen to our monthly Sky Tour podcast for a guided look at this month's celestial highlights.

There's always something happening overhead.


See what to look for this week with Sky at a Glance.

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