When is the next lunar eclipse?

The next lunar eclipse will occur on February 20, 2027, when Earth will cast its soft outer shadow, known as the penumbra, across the moon during its full Snow Moon. Unlike a total lunar eclipse, which completely darkens the moon, a penumbral eclipse will only dim the moon's brightness by a very subtle amount. The maximum effect of this penumbral eclipse will be observed at 6:12 p.m. EST (2312 GMT) on February 20, when the moon passes closest to Earth's umbra, or the deepest part of its shadow.

Photographers may want to capture an image of the Snow Moon at this time to compare with a regular full moon. The next total lunar eclipse, a more dramatic event, is predicted to take place on New Year's Eve in December 2028, when Earth's satellite will transform into a magnificent "Blood Moon" visible across Asia, Australia, and the Pacific.