Topline
Tonight’s deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible across all 50 U.S. states, with skywatchers treated to a dramatic deep partial lunar eclipse. At maximum eclipse, 96.2% of the full Sturgeon Moon will pass through Earth’s dark umbral shadow, causing almost the entire lunar disk to glow a deep reddish-orange at maximum eclipse. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to watch with the naked eye and requires no special equipment. All you need is a clear view of the moon and, ideally, a cloud-free sky — and there’s even a chance of northern lights. Here’s when and where to watch from across the U.S.
Key Facts
Just as a solar eclipse can only occur during new moon, a lunar eclipse can only occur at full moon. That’s what happens on Thursday when the full Sturgeon Moon will be 100% lit by the sun, so its disk appears fully visible.
While the moon is full, Earth’s fuzzy outer shadow — its penumbra— will fall on it, causing it to lose much of its brightness. The full moon will then drift into Earth’s darker, central shadow — its umbra — and a dark lunar eclipse will occur.
It won’t quite become a total lunar eclipse — colloquially called a “Blood Moon” — but the lunar surface is expected to turn a reddish-orange color.
Since Earth’s shadow is much larger than the moon, every lunar eclipse can be seen by a whole hemisphere — the night-side of Earth when the eclipse occurs. This week, that includes the Americas (except Alaska and northwestern Canada), western Europe and western Africa.
Where To Watch From Every U.S. State
Although the entire eclipse lasts 5 hours and 38 minutes, the most dramatic views will come around maximum eclipse, when about 96% of the moon’s disk will be covered by Earth’s dark umbral shadow. Across most of the contiguous U.S., maximum eclipse occurs at:
- 12:12 a.m. EDT on Friday, Aug. 28
- 11:12 p.m. CDT on Thursday, Aug. 27
- 10:12 p.m. MDT on Thursday, Aug. 27
- 9:12 p.m. PDT on Thursday, Aug. 27
- 9:12 p.m. MST in most of Arizona on Thursday, Aug. 27
The partial phase itself begins about 1 hour and 39 minutes before maximum eclipse, at approximately 10:34 p.m. EDT, 9:34 p.m. CDT, 8:34 p.m. MDT and 7:34 p.m. PDT.
Observers across the eastern and central U.S. will be able to see the eclipse from its subtle penumbral beginning through maximum eclipse and beyond, as long as skies are clear. Along parts of the West Coast, the moon rises while the penumbral eclipse is already underway, but before the much more obvious partial phase begins.
What about Alaska and Hawaii?
Alaska and Hawaii are exceptions because the moon will still be below the horizon at the instant of maximum eclipse. In Anchorage, the best visible view comes at about 9:14 p.m. AKDT, shortly after moonrise, while Fairbanks gets its best view at about 9:19 p.m. AKDT. In Honolulu, the moon rises after maximum eclipse, with the best visible view occurring at about 6:50 p.m. HST as the moon emerges from Earth’s shadow. Exact moonrise and eclipse visibility will vary within each state, particularly in Alaska and Hawaii, so check local conditions for your city.
What Will The Moon Look Like?
Although this is technically a partial lunar eclipse, it comes remarkably close to totality. At maximum eclipse, 96.2% of the moon’s disk will lie inside Earth’s umbral shadow, leaving only a thin sliver in direct sunlight. That means much of the moon will appear a muted copper, orange or deep red color — the effect that gives rise to the popular term “Blood Moon.” The exact color depends on the amount of dust and clouds in Earth’s atmosphere, which filter sunlight before it reaches the eclipsed moon. Either way, don’t miss the partial phase leading up to the point of maximum eclipse — you’ll get to see the curved edge of Earth’s giant shadow cross the lunar surface. It’s an awesome sight.
How To Get The Best View
The eclipse is easily visible without binoculars or a telescope, though either can reveal subtle details in the moon’s changing colors. For the best experience:
- Find a location with a clear view of the eastern or southeastern sky.
- Get away from bright city lights if possible.
- Check local cloud forecasts before heading out.
- Use Night Mode or a long-exposure setting on a smartphone to capture the reddish moon.
