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Lunar eclipses
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
A partial lunar eclipse will turn the Moon red on Aug 28, 2026, peaking with 96%.
This is the last lunar eclipse of 2026, so skywatchers should catch it before.
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 the darkest part of Earth's shadow (the umbra), while the rest remains in direct sunlight. The red color, often called a 'blood moon,' happens because Earth's atmosphere scatters blue light and lets red light reach the Moon. This event is the second and final lunar eclipse of 2026, following a total lunar eclipse in March.
How it unfolded
- Aug 23, 2026ABC News reports that the eclipse caps off a busy month of celestial events, noting best views in eastern US, Canada, and Central/South America.
- Aug 24, 2026The Guardian and WRAL publish guides, with WRAL noting the eclipse peaks at 96% coverage shortly after midnight.
- Aug 25, 2026BBC, Time, Astronomy.com, and Scientific American publish detailed viewing guides, specifying times for the UK and US.
- Aug 28, 2026The partial lunar eclipse occurs, beginning at 03:33 BST in London and reaching maximum at 05:12 BST with about 90-96% of the Moon in the umbra.
Who’s saying what
- Astronomers
- Astronomers highlight the eclipse as a safe, naked-eye event, with binoculars enhancing the view of subtle colors.
- Skywatchers
- Skywatchers are encouraged to find a dark location with a clear western horizon, as the Moon will be low in the sky.