United States prepares for a spectacular lunar eclipse on August 27: Where and when it will be visible

Between the night of Thursday, August 27, and the early hours of Friday, August 28, people across the United States will be able to witness one of the most notable astronomical events of 2026: a deep partial lunar eclipse. At the peak of the phenomenon, 93% of the moon’s diameter, equivalent to approximately 96% of its visible surface, will lie within the umbra, the darkest part of Earth’s shadow. This will give the satellite a dramatic appearance, with much of its surface darkened by reddish, orange or copper-colored hues. This is why the phenomenon is popularly known as a “blood moon.”

Although Earth will block the sun’s direct light, some of that light will continue to pass through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the lunar surface. During this journey, the atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths, such as blue and violet light, more easily, while red and orange wavelengths are able to pass through and bend toward the moon. This process is responsible for the colors the satellite may take on during the eclipse.

The intensity of these hues will depend, among other factors, on conditions in Earth’s atmosphere. NASA estimates that more than 3.3 billion people worldwide will be able to observe some phase of the event, weather permitting. While a dark sky away from light pollution will provide the best viewing experience, the eclipse will also be visible from cities with clear skies.

The event is part of the Saros series, a cycle in which related eclipses repeat approximately every 18 years, 11 days and eight hours. The previous eclipse in this series took place on August 16, 2008, while the next one will occur on September 7, 2044.

One major advantage of looking up at the sky on the night of August 27 is that the eclipse can be observed safely with the naked eye. Unlike a solar eclipse, during which looking directly at the sun without protection can cause serious eye damage, observing the moon poses no risk and requires no special filters. Binoculars or a telescope can enhance the experience and make it easier to appreciate the progress of Earth’s shadow and the variations in color across the lunar surface, but they are not essential.

Best places to watch the eclipse

According to NASA, the eclipse will be visible in its entirety from most of the United States, although viewing conditions and timing will vary by location. Cities such as New York, Miami, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., will be able to follow the event from beginning to end, while observers in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle will be able to see it from the early evening.

On the East Coast, the eclipse will reach its peak around midnight, whereas on the West Coast the maximum phase will occur shortly after sunset. NASA has published detailed maps and timetables showing local viewing conditions across the country.

In all areas, visibility will ultimately depend on clear skies and having an unobstructed view of the horizon and the moon.

Peak of the eclipse

The eclipse will reach its maximum phase at around 12:13 a.m. EDT on Friday, August 28, according to astronomical calculations. In the Central Time Zone, the key moment will occur at 11:13 p.m., while on the West Coast it will take place at 9:13 p.m. PDT, both on Thursday, August 27.

The event will last for more than five hours from the beginning of the penumbral phase to the end of the eclipse, although the period during which the moon remains within the Earth’s umbra will be considerably shorter.

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