The sky has another eclipse in store for stargazers this month. A partial lunar eclipse will take place on August 27-28, giving people across much of the US a chance to watch the Moon pass through Earth's shadow.
NASA lists the August event as the second lunar eclipse of 2026, following the total lunar eclipse on March 3. The August eclipse will be visible across much of North and South America, as well as parts of Europe and Africa.
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When is the next lunar eclipse?
The next lunar eclipse will occur on August 27-28, 2026. Because the event takes place overnight, the date depends on your location in the US.
The eclipse will be a partial lunar eclipse. At its peak, about 93% of the Moon's diameter will be inside Earth's darkest shadow, known as the umbra, according to NASA. The Moon will not disappear completely, but the shadowed portion can take on a darker, rusty or coppery appearance.
NASA's eclipse data places the event on August 28 in Universal Time, while local dates and times vary across the US.
What time will the lunar eclipse be visible in the US?
{{/usCountry}}NASA's eclipse data places the event on August 28 in Universal Time, while local dates and times vary across the US.
What time will the lunar eclipse be visible in the US?
{{/usCountry}}The exact timing depends on your location.
According to Time and Date, the partial eclipse is from 11:12 p.m. EDT on August 27 until 1:13 a.m. EDT on August 28.
Arizona- The partial phase begins at 8:12 p.m. MST on August 27 and ends at 10:13 p.m.
California and Washington- The partial phase begins at 8:12 p.m. PDT on August 27 and ends at 10:13 p.m.
These differences are important for US readers because the eclipse crosses several time zones.
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How to watch the lunar eclipse in the US
You do not need special glasses to watch a lunar eclipse. NASA says it is safe to view a lunar eclipse with your eyes, unlike a solar eclipse.
Find a location with a clear view of the Moon and, if possible, move away from bright lights. You can watch the eclipse without equipment, while binoculars or a small telescope can make Earth's shadow easier to see moving across the lunar surface.
What will the Moon look like?
During the partial eclipse, Earth's shadow will gradually move across the Moon. At maximum eclipse, most of the lunar disk will be inside Earth's umbra, leaving only a small portion outside the darkest shadow.
NASA says the covered section may develop a rusty or coppery tint. The effect happens because Earth's atmosphere filters some sunlight before it reaches the Moon.
When is the next lunar eclipse after August?
NASA's future eclipse schedule lists the next lunar eclipse for February 20-21, 2027. That event will be a penumbral lunar eclipse, meaning the Moon will pass through the lighter outer portion of Earth's shadow rather than the dark umbra.
Also Read Lunar Eclipse August 2026: When to watch the August 27-28 event and what it means in astrology
What does the Lunar Eclipse mean in astrology?
Western astrology says the August 27-28 lunar eclipse falls in Pisces, making themes such as emotions, intuition, closure and inner reflection particularly relevant to astrological interpretations. However, these are astrological beliefs rather than scientifically established effects. For astrology followers, the eclipse can therefore be viewed as a moment to pause, reflect and consider what they may want to leave behind before moving forward.