The Earth’s natural satellite will be the protagonist of one of the last astronomical events of 2026: a partial lunar eclipsea phenomenon that will mark the closing of the eclipse season of the year and will occur days after a total solar eclipse.
The Moon will once again capture the attention of astronomers and universe fans when the alignment between the Sun, Earth and the natural satellite gradually changes its appearance as the phenomenon progresses.
NASA explains that a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is placed directly between the Sun and the Moon and casts its shadow on the lunar surface. As a consequence, the Moon begins to darken and, depending on the type of eclipse and the conditions of the Earth’s atmosphere, the part covered by the shadow may acquire reddish tones during the course of the event.
This astronomical spectacle will take place on August 28, 2026. Unlike a total lunar eclipse, in which the entire Moon passes through the umbra – the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow – in a partial lunar eclipse only a portion of the natural satellite will enter that area, so only that part will change color or become darker.
NASA points out that this type of eclipse occurs when the alignment between the Sun, Earth and Moon is not completely centered, causing only part of the Moon to pass through the Earth’s shadow while the rest remains outside it.
During a partial lunar eclipse, the Earth’s shadow advances over the surface of the Moon and then retreats without completely covering it. Therefore, the region that enters the umbra will appear darker or with reddish tones, while the remaining part will largely retain its usual brightness.
NASA highlights that between the night of August 27 and the early morning of August 28, 2026, this phenomenon will occur, visible in part of America, Europe, Africa and Western Asia. Specialized portals, such as Space.comhighlight that the eclipse will have a total duration of 5 hours and 38 minutes, including the penumbral phase and the partial phase.
Why does the Moon turn orange during a lunar eclipse?
NASA explains that the reddish-orange color that the Moon acquires during an eclipse is due to the same phenomenon that makes the sky blue: Rayleigh scattering.
Since light travels in the form of waves and different colors have different physical properties, “blue light has a shorter wavelength and is more easily scattered by particles in Earth’s atmosphere than red light, which has a longer wavelength,” NASA describes.
How to observe the eclipse?
The agency emphasizes that no special equipment is needed; however, recommends:
- Find a dark environment.
- Stay away from bright lights.
- Use binoculars or a telescope to improve observation.
Next lunar eclipse
The agency’s record highlights that the next lunar eclipse will be penumbral and will occur between February 20 and 21, 2027. It will be visible in America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and Antarctica.