A celestial spectacle awaits billions of people around the world with the partial lunar eclipse that will take place on August 27th and 28th, when the Earth’s colossal shadow will cover an impressive 96% of the Moon’s surface.

This August event marks the conclusion of an astronomical sequence that began on August 12, with a total solar eclipse visible in regions such as Greenland, Iceland and Spain.

Although eclipses often occur in pairs, the phases of a lunar eclipse differ significantly from those of a solar eclipse. A notable advantage of the lunar phenomenon is that its stages unfold simultaneously for everyone on the night side of the Earth, as long as the Moon is visible on the horizon. However, local times for each stage vary depending on geographic location.

Observing lunar eclipses is completely safe with the naked eye, and is also an excellent opportunity to use binoculars or telescopes. These devices can provide a magnified and detailed view of the Moon as Earth’s shadow moves across its cratered surface.

Our planet’s shadow is made up of two concentric cones that become noticeable only during the short period of a lunar eclipse. The outer cone, known as the penumbra, casts a more diffuse and broad shadow, while the inner umbra displays the clear curvature of the Earth’s silhouette.

Learn more: Partial lunar eclipse between August 27th and 28th will have five phases; see how to observe

First phase: the entry of the terrestrial penumbra

The phenomenon officially begins at 9:23 pm EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) on August 27, or 01:23 am GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) on August 28, when Earth’s outer penumbra begins to envelop the lunar surface.

In this initial phase, the darkening of the lunar disk is quite subtle, becoming more visible in the moments before the appearance of the Earth’s umbra. This event will become August’s “Sturgeon Moon,” named for the time when this large fish was easily caught in North America.

Beginning of the partial phase of the eclipse

The umbra, Earth’s inner shadow, will begin to obscure a portion of the Moon at 10:33 pm EDT on August 27 (02:33 GMT on August 28), marking the beginning of the partial phase of this intense lunar eclipse.

More on this story: August’s Full Sturgeon Moon passes through Earth’s shadow on August 27, 2026

Initially, the umbra will appear as a small semicircle near the vast areas of Oceanus Procellarum and Mare Humorum, located on the southwestern edge of the Moon, rapidly expanding to cover the adjacent lunar landscape.

This partial stage of the lunar eclipse is the main chance for many of us to witness the broad silhouette of the Earth with the naked eye. Our planet, acting as an element in a complex cosmic puppet, casts its shape in shadow against the backdrop of its natural satellite.

On the same topic: Prepare for the partial lunar eclipse on August 27th and 28th, the most intense until 2028

Moment of greatest coverage of the moon by shadow

The peak of the eclipse will occur at 00:12 EDT (04:12 GMT) on August 28, when 96% of the lunar disk will be completely immersed in the Earth’s umbra, leaving only a luminous crescent exposed to direct sunlight at the northern end of the Moon.

During this period, it is possible to notice a reddish tone coloring the Moon, the result of the refraction of sunlight filtered by the Earth’s atmosphere on its surface. The impression will be that light from all of Earth’s sunsets and sunrises is simultaneously illuminating the lunar disk, revealing prominent craters and dark lunar maria, even under shadow.

The gradual exit from Earth’s inner shadow

The Earth’s umbra will begin its steady retreat from the Moon over the hours. The crimson hue, possibly seen at the peak of the eclipse, will progressively fade as the growing portion of the lunar disk, exposed to direct sunlight, expands, restoring the natural satellite’s usual appearance.

The last remnant of Earth’s inner shadow will disappear from the lunar surface at 01:51 EDT (05:51 GMT) on August 28.

More on this story: Prepare for the partial lunar eclipse on August 27th and 28th, the most intense until 2028

Farewell to the penumbra and the end of the phenomenon

Our planet’s outer gloom will dissipate from the “Sturgeon Moon” soon after, at 03:01 EDT (07:01 GMT), bringing the event to an end. A similar spectacle will only be visible again on New Year’s Eve 2028, when a total lunar eclipse can be observed in Asia, Australia and Europe.