A Near-total Lunar Eclipse Will Turn the Moon Red This Month—and It’s the Last Chance to See One for Over 2 Years - Travel + Leisure

How to See the Deep Partial Lunar Eclipse of August 2026

Stargazers are in for a spectacular celestial event on the night of August 27–28, 2026, as a deep partial lunar eclipse takes to the skies. This near-total eclipse will plunge the moon into the Earth's shadow, turning its surface a dramatic reddish-copper color. Occurring just two weeks after a highly anticipated total solar eclipse, this event marks the grand finale of a historic double-eclipse season. For observers worldwide, it also represents a final opportunity: according to astronomical reports, this will be the last major lunar eclipse visible for over two years.

Unlike solar eclipses, which require specialized protective gear, a lunar eclipse is safe to watch with the naked eye. This guide details what to expect, why the moon changes color, and how you can capture this rare sky show.

What Is the August 2026 Lunar Eclipse?

On August 27–28, 2026, the Earth will align almost perfectly between the sun and the moon. This alignment projects the Earth's shadow, known as the umbra, across the lunar surface. Because the alignment is not quite perfect, it is classified as a partial lunar eclipse. However, this particular eclipse is exceptionally deep—meaning nearly the entire moon will enter the dark, central shadow, leaving only a tiny sliver illuminated by direct sunlight.

Because of this high coverage, the moon will take on the characteristic reddish hue typically reserved for total lunar eclipses, a phenomenon often referred to as a "Blood Moon."

Why Does the Moon Turn Red?

The copper-red coloration during a deep eclipse is caused by a scientific phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering. This is the same atmospheric process that makes our sunsets and sunrises appear red and orange.

When the Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the moon, some light still manages to pass through the Earth's atmosphere. Our atmosphere filters out short-wavelength light—such as blue and violet—while allowing longer wavelengths, like red and orange, to pass through. This filtered red light is bent, or refracted, by the atmosphere and projected onto the moon. If you were standing on the moon looking back at Earth during the eclipse, you would see a glowing red ring surrounding our planet, representing every sunrise and sunset occurring on Earth simultaneously.

Europe’s Double Eclipse Season

For skywatchers in Europe, the late summer of 2026 is uniquely significant. The continent will experience an unusual "eclipse season" featuring two major celestial events within a span of just two weeks.

• August 12, 2026: A highly anticipated total solar eclipse will sweep across parts of Iceland, Spain, and northern Portugal, with partial views visible across much of western Europe.
• August 27–28, 2026: Exactly two weeks later, the deep partial lunar eclipse will occur, serving as the celestial bookend to this rare double-header.

Eclipse seasons occur roughly every six months when the orbital paths of the Earth and moon align in a way that allows eclipses to happen. Because the lunar orbit is tilted slightly relative to Earth's orbit around the sun, eclipses do not occur every month. When the orbits do cross, they create a window of opportunity where both solar and lunar eclipses can happen in quick succession.

Who Will Be Able to See It?

Lunar eclipses are visible from any location on Earth where the moon is above the horizon at the time of the event. The August 27–28, 2026 eclipse will be visible across vast portions of the globe, including:

• The Americas: North and South America will have excellent views of the eclipse as it occurs during the evening hours of August 27.
• Europe and Africa: Observers in western Europe and Africa will see the eclipse late at night or in the early hours before dawn on August 28.
• Parts of Asia: Some western areas of Asia will catch the early stages of the eclipse before moonset.

Because the eclipse takes place over several hours, viewers will have ample time to watch the shadow slowly creep across the lunar surface, reach maximum coverage, and gradually recede.

Tips for Watching and Photographing the Eclipse

You do not need expensive astronomical equipment to enjoy a lunar eclipse, but a little preparation can significantly enhance the experience.

How to Watch

To get the best view, simply step outside during the active hours of the eclipse. No protective glasses or filters are required. While the eclipse is fully visible to the naked eye, using binoculars or a small telescope will allow you to see details on the lunar surface, such as craters and mountain ranges, slowly changing color as they enter the shadow.

How to Photograph the Eclipse

According to imaging experts, photographing a lunar eclipse requires a shift in camera settings as the event progresses:

• Use a Tripod: As the moon enters the Earth's shadow, it becomes significantly dimmer. A sturdy tripod is essential to prevent camera shake during longer exposures.
• Use a Telephoto Lens: To capture details of the moon, use a lens with a focal length of at least 200mm or longer.
• Manual Exposure: Switch your camera to manual mode. At the beginning of the eclipse, the bright part of the moon will require a fast shutter speed. As the moon darkens and turns red, you will need to slow down your shutter speed, widen your aperture, or increase your ISO to capture the faint red light.
• Watch the Focus: Autofocus can struggle in low-light conditions. Switch your lens to manual focus and lock onto a sharp lunar detail before the eclipse reaches its maximum phase.

The Two-Year Lunar Eclipse Hiatus

If you miss the August 2026 event, you will have to wait quite a while for the next opportunity. Astronomical data indicates that this eclipse is the last major, deeply visible lunar eclipse for more than two years. While minor penumbral eclipses—where the moon passes only through the faint outer edge of Earth's shadow—may occur, they are difficult to see with the naked eye and do not produce the dramatic reddish "blood moon" effect. The next deep partial or total lunar eclipse will not happen until late 2028, making this August 2026 event a must-see for astronomical enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

When exactly does the August 2026 lunar eclipse occur?

The eclipse will take place during the night of August 27 and the early morning hours of August 28, 2026, depending on your local time zone.

Why is it called a "near-total" or "deep partial" eclipse?

It is classified as a partial eclipse because the moon does not pass completely into the center of the Earth's dark shadow (the umbra). However, because nearly the entire moon will be covered by the shadow, it behaves visually like a total eclipse, turning a distinct reddish color.

Is it safe to look directly at a lunar eclipse?

Yes. Unlike solar eclipses, which involve looking directly at the sun, lunar eclipses only involve looking at the moon reflecting sunlight. It is completely safe to view with the naked eye, binoculars, or telescopes without any protective filters.

What is an "eclipse season"?

An eclipse season is a period of about 35 days during which the orbital nodes of the moon align closely enough with the Earth and sun for eclipses to occur. These seasons happen roughly every six months and typically feature one solar eclipse and one lunar eclipse.

Why will we have to wait over two years for the next major lunar eclipse?

The orbits of the Earth, moon, and sun must align precisely to produce a deep partial or total eclipse. Due to the natural tilt and precession of the moon's orbit, the geometry required for a visible, deep umbral eclipse will not occur again until late 2028.