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Blood moon total lunar eclipse today
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The gist
A 96% partial lunar eclipse will turn the moon reddish-orange on Aug 27-28, visible across the.
It's not a true Blood Moon, but skywatchers can see the reddening without special.
Background
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. During a partial eclipse, only part of the moon enters Earth's umbra, the darkest part of the shadow. The upcoming eclipse is deep, with about 96% of the moon covered, giving it a reddish-orange tint similar to a total lunar eclipse, often called a 'Blood Moon'.
How it unfolded
- Aug 27, 2026 21:23 ETThe partial lunar eclipse begins, with Earth's umbra starting to cover the moon.
- Aug 28, 2026 00:12 ETMaximum eclipse occurs, with about 96% of the moon covered by Earth's shadow, giving it a reddish-orange color.
- Aug 28, 2026 03:01 ETThe eclipse concludes as the moon exits Earth's umbra.
Who’s saying what
- NASA
- NASA notes that while this is a partial eclipse, the moon may take on a reddish or orange tint, creating the effect commonly associated with a 'blood moon'.
- Sky & Telescope
- Sky & Telescope explains that the reddish color comes from Earth's atmosphere scattering blue light, leaving red light to reach the moon.