- A deep partial lunar eclipse will peak overnight Aug. 27–28, 2026, with 96% of the Moon covered.
- Best viewing is in central and eastern North America, and western viewers need a clear eastern horizon.
- No special equipment or eclipse glasses are needed, but binoculars can enhance the view.
Skywatchers, mark your calendars: A spectacular lunar eclipse is coming this August, and it will be visible across much of North America.
On the night of August 27 into August 28, the moon will pass through Earth’s shadow, creating a deep partial lunar eclipse. While the event won't technically be a total lunar eclipse, about 96% of the moon’s visible surface will be covered during the eclipse’s peak. That means only a small sliver of the moon will remain illuminated, while the rest could take on shades of orange, copper, and red.
When is the August 2026 lunar eclipse?
The lunar eclipse will take place overnight from Thursday, August 27, into Friday, August 28. The exact timing depends on where you live.
On the East Coast, the eclipse will reach maximum at 12:12 a.m. EDT on August 28. In other U.S. time zones, maximum eclipse will occur at 11:12 p.m. CDT, 10:12 p.m. MDT and 9:12 p.m. PDT on August 27.
The Moon will begin entering Earth’s faint outer shadow earlier in the evening, but the more dramatic portion of the eclipse begins when it enters the darker inner shadow, or umbra.
Where will the lunar eclipse be visible?
Much of North America will have a chance to see the eclipse, although viewing conditions will vary depending on your location.
The central and eastern U.S. and Canada are particularly well positioned, with the moon expected to be high in the sky during the deepest part of the eclipse. On the West Coast, however, the eclipse will already be underway when the moon rises in some areas. If you're in the western U.S., find a spot with a clear view of the eastern horizon so you don't miss the Moon as it rises.
How to watch the August lunar eclipse
The best part? You don't need any special equipment to watch a lunar eclipse. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with your naked eyes, so there's no need to purchase special eclipse glasses. Simply head outside around the time of the eclipse and look toward the moon. Binoculars or a small telescope can make the moon's changing colors and shadows even more noticeable, but they're certainly not required.
So, set an alarm, check your local weather forecast, and get ready to look up. The August lunar eclipse may only last a few hours, but it's sure to make for a memorable night of stargazing.
Rosamelia is a writer at Good Housekeeping, covering everything related to Gen Z, lifestyle, and online trends. She’s a graduate of NYU's Magazine and Digital Storytelling program. In her free time, you can find her reading and reviewing books on her bookstagram: amelias_biblioteca.
