Partial Lunar Eclipse
August 28, 2026
◐ PARTIAL · ~96% COVERED
A very deep partial eclipse: at maximum, Earth’s shadow covers about 96% of the Moon, leaving only a narrow bright sliver. Much of the Moon may take on the familiar copper-red blood moon appearance. Visible from most of North and South America, Europe, and western Africa.
Key Facts
Global Timeline
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Penumbral eclipse begins | 01:24 UTC |
| Partial (umbral) eclipse begins | 02:34 UTC |
| Maximum eclipse | 04:13 UTC |
| Partial (umbral) eclipse ends | 05:52 UTC |
| Penumbral eclipse ends | 07:02 UTC |
What You'll See
Almost a blood moon. It isn't technically a blood moon because the Moon never becomes completely immersed in Earth's shadow — but at maximum, roughly 96% of the lunar disk is covered and much of the Moon may take on the familiar copper-red appearance.
Where it's visible: most of North and South America, Europe, and western Africa. A lunar eclipse is visible from anywhere the Moon is above the horizon while it is in Earth's shadow — no equipment or eye protection needed. Check your exact local circumstances with the live visibility checker.
Photographing This Eclipse
- Use a tripod and a telephoto lens (200mm+) for a large lunar disk.
- Bracket exposures: the eclipsed portion is thousands of times dimmer than the sunlit sliver.
- During the deepest phase, try ISO 400–1600 at 1/4s–2s depending on aperture.
- Full guides: Fred Espenak's lunar eclipse photography guide and Sky at Night's how-to.