How to See the Partial Lunar Eclipse and Blood Moon on August 27

On August 27, Earth's shadow will cover nearly the entire bright surface of the moon, casting a reddish or orange hue. The partial phase of this lunar eclipse will last around three hours and 18 minutes, with approximately 93 percent of the moon's diameter within Earth's darkest shadow at its peak. The Americas will offer the best viewing location for this event, with the peak occurring during the night across both North and South America.

Europe will also be able to observe the eclipse, but only in the early morning hours, and the view will be difficult due to the moon's low altitude and the breaking of dawn.

The reddish color of the moon during a lunar eclipse, often referred to as a "blood moon," is caused by sunlight passing through Earth's atmosphere before reaching the moon. As this light travels through the atmosphere, the blue wavelengths are filtered out, leaving only the red end of the spectrum to illuminate the moon's surface. This phenomenon is similar to the appearance of sunrises and sunsets around the world, projected onto the moon's surface.

To best view a lunar eclipse, it is recommended to get away from areas with light pollution and find an unobstructed view of the sky. This could be the roof or terrace of a house, or even a spot in the city if weather permits. It is also beneficial to arrive early to observe how the Earth's shadow gradually advances across the lunar surface.

Using binoculars or a telescope can enhance the viewing experience, allowing for better details of the moon and the advancing shadow. If you don't have these tools, consider visiting a local science museum, observatory, or astronomy club, or watch a livestream of the eclipse if clouds obstruct your view.