Here's Everything to Know About August's Lunar Eclipse

In the coming week of August 27-28, a partial lunar eclipse will occur during a full moon, often called the Sturgeon Moon due to the abundance of sturgeon fish during this period. This celestial event is visible to nearly everyone in North and South America, a portion of Europe, Western Asia, and Africa, according to NASA. However, the full eclipse will only be visible to the US East Coast, the Midwest, and South America.

During a lunar eclipse, Earth moves between the Moon and the Sun, casting a reddish shadow onto the Moon. This occurs when the Sun, Moon, and Earth are in a straight line, with the Moon passing through the Earth's darkest shadow (umbra). The upcoming eclipse will be a partial lunar eclipse, with about 96% of the Moon's surface disappearing behind the Earth's shadow.

The eclipse will last approximately 399 minutes, starting with a penumbral phase where the Moon enters the Earth's outer shadow. In North America, the maximum eclipse will occur at 12:12 a.m. ET on Friday, with the eclipse beginning around 09:34 p.m. ET. In the UK and Ireland, the eclipse will be visible in the early hours of August 28, with the maximum eclipse at 05:13 a.m. BST when the Moon is low in the western sky.

Unlike solar eclipses, no special equipment is needed to view a lunar eclipse, making it safe to watch with the naked eye. However, binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the viewing experience. To ensure optimal conditions, check the weather and avoid light pollution by finding a dark location. The next lunar eclipse is expected in February 20-22, 2027, but it will be a penumbral eclipse, still visible in various global regions.