August 2026 Lunar Eclipse: Date, Time and How to Watch the Partial Eclipse in the USA

Skywatchers across the United States will have another interesting celestial event to watch in late August 2026. A partial lunar eclipse will take place on August 27–28, 2026, with the event visible from much of North America, including large parts of the United States.

Despite some online searches referring to it as an “August 2026 Blood Moon” or “total lunar eclipse,” this event is officially classified as a partial lunar eclipse, not a total lunar eclipse. NASA lists August 28, 2026, as a partial lunar eclipse.

When Is the August 2026 Lunar Eclipse?

The lunar eclipse will occur overnight from Thursday, August 27, into Friday, August 28, 2026, depending on your location and time zone.

For example, in Washington, D.C., the penumbral phase begins at about 9:23 p.m. EDT on August 27, while the partial eclipse begins around 10:33 p.m. The maximum occurs around 12:12 a.m. on August 28, followed by the end of the eclipse in the early morning.

Because eclipse times vary by location, viewers should check their local time before heading outside.

Will the Lunar Eclipse Be Visible in the USA?

Yes. The August 2026 partial lunar eclipse will be visible from much of the United States, although the exact viewing conditions will depend on location.

Timeanddate’s U.S. eclipse information shows the event occurring across the country, with local times changing according to time zone.

People in different parts of the U.S. may see different portions of the eclipse depending on when the Moon is above the horizon.

Is the August 2026 Eclipse a Blood Moon?

Not technically.

A Blood Moon usually refers to the reddish appearance of the Moon during a total lunar eclipse, when the Moon passes completely through Earth’s darkest shadow, called the umbra.

The August 2026 event is a partial lunar eclipse, meaning only part of the Moon enters Earth’s umbra. NASA classifies the August 28 eclipse as partial.

Some parts of the eclipsed Moon may appear darker or reddish, but it should not be described as a total Blood Moon.

Why Does the Moon Turn Red During a Total Lunar Eclipse?

During a total lunar eclipse, Earth comes directly between the Sun and Moon.

Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. However, some sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere and is bent toward the Moon.

The atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths more strongly while allowing more red and orange light to reach the lunar surface. As a result, the Moon can take on a copper, orange or reddish appearance.

This is why total lunar eclipses are often popularly called Blood Moons.

How Long Will the August 2026 Eclipse Last?

The global partial lunar eclipse lasts for several hours when all phases are included.

NASA’s eclipse data gives the August 28, 2026 partial lunar eclipse a total eclipse duration of approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes for the penumbral and partial event framework.

However, the time you can actually watch it from the United States depends on your city and whether the Moon is above the horizon during each phase. Read More; ChatGPT vs Google Gemini: Which AI Assistant?

Do You Need Special Glasses to Watch a Lunar Eclipse?

No.

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to view with the naked eye. You do not need special eclipse glasses or solar filters to look at the Moon during a lunar eclipse.

For the best experience, find a location with a clear view of the sky and as little artificial light as possible.

A pair of binoculars or a small telescope can also make the changing appearance of the Moon easier to see.

Best Way to Photograph the Lunar Eclipse

You don’t need an expensive professional camera to capture the event.

A modern smartphone can photograph the Moon, although getting a detailed image can be challenging because the Moon is much brighter than the surrounding night sky.

For better results:

• Use a tripod or keep your phone extremely steady.
• Avoid excessive digital zoom.
• Tap the Moon on your screen to focus.
• Reduce exposure if the Moon looks too bright.
• Take several photos during different eclipse phases.
• A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens can produce much more detailed images.

August 2026 Has Another Major Eclipse

August 2026 is especially interesting for skywatchers because it also features a total solar eclipse on August 12.

NASA says the total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, northern Spain and a small part of Portugal. Parts of the United States will see a partial solar eclipse.

Later in the month, the partial lunar eclipse will be visible from much of the Americas, Europe and Africa.

That makes August 2026 an unusually busy month for eclipse watchers.

Final Thoughts

The August 27–28, 2026 lunar eclipse will give skywatchers in the United States an opportunity to watch the Moon pass partly into Earth’s shadow.

While it is sometimes being searched for online as a “Blood Moon” or “total lunar eclipse,” the official classification is partial lunar eclipse.

If you’re planning to watch it, check your local eclipse timing, choose a location with a clear view of the Moon and keep an eye on the weather forecast.

FAQ

When is the August 2026 lunar eclipse?
The partial lunar eclipse occurs on August 27–28, 2026, depending on your location and time zone.

Can I see the August 2026 lunar eclipse in the USA?
Yes. Much of the United States will have an opportunity to see the eclipse, although visibility and timing vary by location.

Is the August 2026 lunar eclipse a Blood Moon?
No. It is officially classified as a partial lunar eclipse, not a total lunar eclipse.

Do I need eclipse glasses for a lunar eclipse?
No. Lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye.

What time does the eclipse start in the USA?
The exact time depends on your location. For example, in Washington, D.C., the penumbral phase begins at about 9:23 p.m. EDT on August 27, with the partial phase beginning around 10:33 p.m.

What is the difference between a lunar eclipse and a solar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse happens when Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon. A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun.