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A striking deep partial lunar eclipse will light up the night sky across much of the United States on Thursday, August 27, into the early hours of Friday, August 28, 2026. In cities such as Miami, New York, Houston, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles, the event offers a free, easy-to-watch sky show: Earth’s shadow will cover about 96% of the Moon at its peak, potentially giving it a dramatic reddish appearance.
Lunar Eclipse time in the U.S. today
The August 28 event is a deep partial lunar eclipse, not a total eclipse. In the Americas, the key viewing window happens on the night of Thursday, August 27, although the astronomical dates and peak occur on Friday, August 28 in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
| U.S. time zone | Penumbral eclipse begins* | Partial eclipse begins | Maximum eclipse | Partial eclipse ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time (ET) | 9:24 p.m. Aug. 27 | 10:34 p.m. Aug. 27 | 12:13 a.m. Aug. 28 | 1:52 a.m. Aug. 28 |
| Central Time (CT) | 8:24 p.m. Aug. 27 | 9:34 p.m. Aug. 27 | 11:13 p.m. Aug. 27 | 12:52 a.m. Aug. 28 |
| Mountain Time (MT) | 7:24 p.m. Aug. 27 | 8:34 p.m. Aug. 27 | 10:13 p.m. Aug. 27 | 11:52 p.m. Aug. 27 |
| Pacific Time (PT) | 6:24 p.m. Aug. 27 | 7:34 p.m. Aug. 27 | 9:13 p.m. Aug. 27 | 10:52 p.m. Aug. 27 |
* The penumbral phase is subtle and may be difficult to notice. The more visible portion begins when the Moon enters Earth’s darker inner shadow, called the umbra. NASA places the peak at 4:13 a.m. UTC, equivalent to 12:13 a.m. EDT and 9:13 p.m. PDT.
For the best experience, step outside about 30 minutes before the partial eclipse starts. In Miami and New York, that means around 10:00 p.m. ET; in Houston and Chicago, around 9:00 p.m. CT; and in Los Angeles, around 7:00 p.m. PT.
Is there a Lunar Eclipse in the U.S.?
Yes. The partial lunar eclipse will be visible from most of the continental United States, as well as parts of North and South America. NASA says the event will be visible throughout the Americas except Alaska and northwestern Canada, subject to local weather and a clear view of the Moon.
This is not a “Blood Moon” in the strict sense because the Moon will not be completely inside Earth’s umbra. Still, with approximately 96.3% of its disk within the dark shadow at maximum eclipse, the Moon may look noticeably dimmed and reddish-orange along the eclipsed portion.
How visible will the Lunar Eclipse be around the world?
The eclipse will be visible, at least in part, from the Americas, western Europe, western Africa, Antarctica and portions of the Pacific Ocean. Viewing quality will depend on whether the Moon is above the horizon when each phase occurs.
- North and South America: Many locations can see the partial eclipse during nighttime, offering some of the strongest viewing opportunities.
- Europe and Africa: The eclipse occurs before sunrise for many observers, so the Moon may be low in the western sky or set before the event fully ends.
- Pacific region: Some areas see the Moon rise after the eclipse has already begun.
- Asia: Visibility is limited; India, for example, is not in the viewing area for this eclipse.
Best viewing areas around the world for the August 28 Lunar Eclipse
The best locations are those with the Moon high above the horizon during the maximum phase and skies free from cloud cover. Large parts of North and South America are particularly well positioned because the peak happens during the evening or overnight hours.
| Best U.S. viewing areas | Best international areas |
|---|---|
| Observers in the central and eastern United States can watch much of the eclipse overnight, while viewers in western states can see maximum eclipse during the evening of August 27. Areas with dark skies away from city lights will offer sharper views, but the eclipse should still be visible from urban areas such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Miami and New York if clouds do not interfere. | Parts of Central and South America are expected to have excellent nighttime visibility. Western Europe and western Africa can also see the eclipse, although the Moon will be setting around the later stages in many locations. |
How to watch safely the Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse is safe to watch with your naked eyes. Unlike a solar eclipse, you do not need eclipse glasses, special filters or any eye protection because you are looking at the Moon, not directly at the Sun.
For a better view:
- Find an outdoor spot with an unobstructed view of the sky.
- Check your local forecast before heading out; clouds are the main obstacle.
- Use binoculars or a small telescope if you want to see the edge of Earth’s shadow and lunar craters in greater detail.
- Let your eyes adjust to the darkness and reduce bright phone-screen use.
- Use a tripod if you plan to photograph the Moon with a camera or smartphone zoom lens.
Where to watch online the Lunar Eclipse
If clouds, work schedules or city conditions make in-person viewing difficult, you can follow the eclipse through a live online broadcast. Timeanddate plans a live stream for the August 27–28 partial lunar eclipse, with its published schedule listing the stream start at 8:23 p.m. CT, the partial phase at 9:33 p.m. CT and maximum eclipse at 11:12 p.m. CT.
NASA also provides official eclipse resources, including maps, visibility data and observing information. Its eclipse page confirms the August 28, 2026 event as a partial lunar eclipse and lists its overall visibility region.
FAQ: August 28 Lunar Eclipse
What time is the lunar eclipse tonight in the United States?
The most noticeable phase starts at 10:34 p.m. ET, 9:34 p.m. CT, 8:34 p.m. MT and 7:34 p.m. PT on August 27. Maximum eclipse occurs at 12:13 a.m. ET on August 28, or 11:13 p.m. CT, 10:13 p.m. MT and 9:13 p.m. PT on August 27.
Is the August 28 eclipse a total lunar eclipse?
No. It is a partial lunar eclipse. However, it is unusually deep: approximately 96% of the Moon’s disk will pass into Earth’s umbra at maximum, so it may resemble a near-total eclipse.
Can I see the lunar eclipse from Florida, Texas, California or New York?
Yes, weather permitting. Florida and New York viewers should see it late on August 27 and after midnight on August 28; Texas viewers can watch during the evening of August 27 through shortly after midnight; and California viewers can see the maximum phase during the evening of August 27.
Do I need eclipse glasses for a lunar eclipse?
No. Lunar eclipses are safe to watch without protective eyewear. You may use binoculars or a telescope for a closer look, but neither is required.
Why might the Moon look red during the eclipse?
During an eclipse, Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching part of the Moon. Some sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere and reaches the lunar surface in redder tones, which can create a copper or red-orange color in the shadowed area. NASA notes that at maximum eclipse, 96.3% of the Moon will be within Earth’s umbra.
What if I cannot see the eclipse because of clouds?
You can watch a scheduled live stream online, including the broadcast announced by Timeanddate, or use NASA’s official eclipse maps and timing resources to follow the event.
