Deep Partial Lunar Eclipse to Dazzle Skywatchers Aug 27-28
Skywatchers across Europe and the Americas are in for a celestial treat as a deep partial lunar eclipse unfolds in the night of Thursday, August 27 to Friday, August 28, 2026. Occurring just two weeks after the spectacular total solar eclipse of August 12, the Moon will pass through Earth’s shadow, with up to 96.3% of its disk entering the umbra—the central, darkest part of the shadow—at maximum eclipse, according to NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio.
A Nearly Total Eclipse
From Belgium, the Moon will be approximately 93% covered by Earth’s shadow at the moment of maximum, as RTBF reported. The phenomenon begins in the early morning hours, with the climax expected around 6:12-6:14 in the morning CEST, when about 93.5% of the lunar surface will be plunged into Earth’s central shadow, according to La Libre and RTL Info.
The apparent discrepancy between the 93% and 96.3% figures stems from two different measurements of the same event. As NASA explains, the umbral magnitude—approximately 0.93—measures the fraction of the Moon’s diameter covered by the umbra, while obscuration—the 96.3% figure—measures the fraction of the Moon’s area within the shadow. Both describe the same deep partial eclipse.
How a Lunar Eclipse Works
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth aligns between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the sunlight that normally illuminates our natural satellite. The Moon finds itself in the shadow projected by our planet. In this case, the Moon will not be entirely plunged into the umbra, making it a partial—though exceptionally deep—eclipse.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be observed without any special eye protection. No glasses or filters are needed—simply step outside and look up.
Observing from Belgium and Europe
For observers in Belgium, the Moon will be very low on the western horizon at maximum eclipse—only about 6 degrees above the horizon. A clear, unobstructed view of the western horizon will be essential. The Moon will set shortly after maximum, preventing Belgian observers from witnessing the end of the eclipse.
Visibility will depend on weather conditions, and the low altitude of the Moon could complicate observation in some regions. While Europe will see the eclipse near moonset, the Americas are optimally positioned, with the entire eclipse visible across North and South America and the Moon high in the sky.
Not a Blood Moon
Despite the deep partial coverage, this eclipse will not produce a “blood moon” effect. As RTBF explains, the reddish coloration only appears during a total lunar eclipse, when the Moon is entirely within Earth’s umbra and receives only the filtered sunlight that passes through Earth’s atmosphere. Since a sliver of the Moon will remain outside the umbra, the dramatic coppery-red appearance of a total eclipse will not occur.
A Notable Astronomical Event
This eclipse is part of Saros series 138, a cycle that repeats every 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours. The previous eclipse in this series occurred on August 16, 2008, and the next will take place on September 7, 2044, according to Wikipedia. It also marks the last eclipse of an “almost tetrad”—following total lunar eclipses on March 14, 2025, September 8, 2025, and March 3, 2026.
The eclipse occurs during the Full Moon of August, traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon. The Moon will be near apogee, so its apparent diameter will be slightly smaller than average.
What’s Next
For those hoping to witness a total lunar eclipse and the famous blood moon effect, patience will be required. The next total lunar eclipse is not expected until the night of December 31, 2028. The previous total lunar eclipse occurred on September 7, 2025. As Space.com notes, lunar eclipses are among the easiest skywatching events to observe—no special equipment needed, just a clear sky and an unobstructed horizon.