One month from today, the sky is putting on its best show. Or rather, its moon.
On August 28, skywatchers across the Western Hemisphere and Europe are in for a treat. It will be the deepest partial lunar eclipse visible until New Year’s Eve in 2028. That’s a long gap.
Earth’s shadow is going to swallow nearly the entire moon. Up to 96% of the lunar disk will disappear into the umbra. The result? An “almost blood moon.” Only a thin, bright sliver of the moon remains untouched by Earth’s darkest shadow. The rest will glow a deep reddish-orange.
This isn’t your average full moon. It’s the closest thing to totality you’ll get for years. And you don’t need expensive gear to see it.
How to See the “Almost Blood Moon”
Lunar eclipses are different from solar eclipses. You don’t need special glasses. You don’t need telescopes. Just look up.
Clear skies are the only requirement. And a view of the moon, obviously. If it’s cloudy, you’re out of luck. But if the sky is clear, the naked eye is all you need.
The eclipse begins on August 28. The exact time you see depends on where you live.
North & South America: Best View
The Americas are in the prime spot. Here, you’ll likely see the moon rise already partially eclipsed. By the time it clears the horizon, it will be deep in shadow.
In eastern North America, the timing is perfect. You can watch the “almost blood moon” climb above the trees shortly before or during the maximum phase. It’s dramatic. It’s visual. It’s why this eclipse matters.
Europe & Africa: Predawn Show
Across the Atlantic, the clock is ticking differently. For observers in Europe and Africa, this happens before dawn on August 28.
If you’re in the U.K. or western Europe, look low in the western sky. You’ll catch the moon’s final stages as it sets. The eclipse will be winding down as the sun comes up.
“The moon will likely take on a deep copperyred hue with only a narrow bright silver liningremaining.”
Farther east in Europe and Africa? Less of the eclipse will be visible. The moon sets before the action peaks. You’ll catch fragments, not the whole event.
Asia: Mostly Missed
Western Asia gets a limited view. Again, it’s about moonset. You might catch the tail end.
Eastern Asia? You’re out of luck. Little to no visibility there. The geometry just doesn’t work for those time zones.
Why This Eclipse is Special
Why should you care about an eclipse that isn’t totally total?
Because 96% coverage is rare for a partial eclipse. Most partials miss the heart of the umbra by a mile. This one goes deep.
The moon will look remarkably like a total lunar eclipse. Think “blood moon.” Expect a deep coppery-red color. Only that sliver of unshadowed surface will stay silver.
It’s the visual equivalent of being 96% done with a marathon. The finish line is close.
When Exactly Does It Happen?
The maximum eclipse occurs on August 28.
- Americas: Moon rises during or just before max eclipse.
- Europe: Max eclipse occurs during predawn moonset.
- Western Asia: Moonset happens shortly after the peak begins.
Check your local time for the exact moment of greatest eclipse. NASA’s eclipse website and space.com’s live blog will track it. They’re publishing guides on how to photograph it, too.
Can you see it online? Yes. Space.com is releasing details on live streaming options. If you’re stuck inside or the weather turns sour, you can still watch.
But nothing beats the real thing. Standing outside. Looking up. Watching the earth’s shadow creep across the moon’s face.
It’s happening in four weeks.
Set your reminders. Clear your calendars. And pray to meteorological gods that the clouds stay away.
The moon is going dark. And it’s going red. Don’t miss it.
