Partial lunar eclipse Aug. 27-28 live updates — 2 days to go

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Why do eclipses come in pairs? Eclipses don't happen at random — they arrive in pairs. (Image credit: Created in Canva Pro/Future) Solar and lunar eclipses tend to occur in close proximity to one another when the moon reaches an ascending or descending "node" in its orbit of Earth. These invisible points in space exist where the moon's tilted orbit crosses the the flat plane on which our planet orbits the sun, which is known as the ecliptic. When this happens, we experience an "eclipse season", where there is a solar eclipse during the new moon and a lunar eclipse during a neighboring full moon phase, as the Earth and moon are lined up to pass between one another and the sun. An eclipse season can also occur in the opposite order, with a lunar eclipse preceding a solar eclipse. Read more: Why solar and lunar eclipses come in pairs — and what an eclipse season really is . Anthony Wood Skywatching Writer

Want to photograph the lunar eclipse? Here are our top photography tips (Image credit: Josh Dury Photo Media) Planning to watch the deep partial lunar eclipse on Aug. 27-28? Why not try capturing it on camera too? Photographing a lunar eclipse is considerably easier than photographing a solar eclipse — you don't need any special filters to safely photograph the moon. But getting a sharp, well-exposed shot as the moon darkens and takes on a reddish hue can still be tricky, particularly as light levels change throughout the eclipse. A little preparation can go a long way. Our guide to photographing a lunar eclipse covers everything you need to know, from choosing the right equipment and camera settings to focusing on the moon and getting creative with composition. Daisy Dobrijevic Social Links Navigation Skywatching Editor

What time is the partial lunar eclipse? (Image credit: Created in Canva Pro by Daisy Dobrijevic) Planning to watch the deep partial lunar eclipse this week? You'll want to make sure you're looking up at the right time. The eclipse begins at 9:23 p.m. EDT on Aug. 27 (0123 GMT on Aug. 28), when the moon enters Earth's faint outer shadow, known as the penumbra. From then, the eclipse will deepen and become more visible over several hours as the moon passes into Earth's darker umbral shadow, ultimately leaving 96.2% of the lunar surface covered at its peak. For key timings and when exactly to look up, check out our guide on when the partial lunar eclipse will occur . Daisy Dobrijevic Social Links Navigation Skywatching Editor

What will happen during each stage of the partial lunar eclipse? A partial lunar eclipse turns the moon red in the skies over Sri Lanka. (Image credit: Photo by Thilina Kaluthotage/NurPhoto via Getty Images) A partial lunar eclipse has five distinct phases that occur simultaneously for everyone on the night side of Earth as our planet slips between the sun and its natural satellite during the full moon phase.

The eclipse begins as Earth's outer penumbral shadow subtly darkens the moon, after which the inner umbral shadow reveals our planet's curved silhouette as it advances across the lunar disk.

Read more: What to expect from each stage of the partial lunar eclipse on Aug. 27-28 Anthony Wood Skywatching Writer

3 days to go! Here's everything you need to know 3 days until the partial lunar eclipse, here's everything you need to know. (Image credit: Eclipse inset: Giovanni Bortolani via Getty Images. Royalty Free. Graphic created in Canva Pro.) The deep partial lunar eclipse is just a few days away, so now is the perfect time to start planning how you're going to view the "almost blood moon". At maximum eclipse, 96.2% of the moon's surface will be covered by Earth's dark central shadow known as the umbra. While the moon won't be completely eclipsed — so this isn't technically a "blood moon" — much of the lunar surface is expected to take on a reddish-orange hue, with just a thin sliver remaining brightly illuminated. Check out our complete guide to the Aug. 27-28 partial lunar eclipse to make sure you're ready for the "almost blood moon". Daisy Dobrijevic Social Links Navigation Skywatching Editor

How to view a partial lunar eclipse A lunar eclipse captured over the United Kingdom in 2007. (Image credit: Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) One of the wonderful things about a lunar eclipse is that it can be witnessed by everyone who happens to be on the night side of Earth as it occurs, weather permitting. You don't need any special equipment like eclipse glasses to enjoy the show. Simply step outside and look up to see Earth's curved inner shadow crawl across the moon in a spectacular display of orbital mechanics. Want a closer look? No problem! It's completely safe to point a pair of binoculars or a telescope at the moon during a lunar eclipse. Doing so will give you a magnified view of the colossal craters and dark lunar seas that mark the moon's near side as they fall within the umbral shadow. Anthony Wood Skywatching Writer

Where will the Aug. 27-28 partial lunar eclipse be visible? The partial phase of a lunar eclipse captured over Canada in 2025. (Image credit: Photo by Chen Shaojin/VCG via Getty Images) The good news is that unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be seen from anywhere the moon is above the horizon. That means millions of skywatchers worldwide will have a chance to witness at least part of the Aug. 27-28 eclipse, weather permitting. The best views will be from North and South America, where the entire eclipse will be visible. Across Europe and Africa, the eclipse takes place before dawn on Aug. 28, with the moon setting during the latter stages of the event. Read more: Partial lunar eclipse August 2026: Where will it be visible from? Daisy Dobrijevic Social Links Navigation Skywatching Editor

Why this partial lunar eclipse is one you won't want to miss Craters and lunar seas mark the lunar surface during a deep lunar eclipse. (Image credit: Orchidpoet via Getty Images) When most people hear the words "partial lunar eclipse," they might often assume it will be less impressive than a total eclipse, and not really worth the effort to try and see it. But the Aug. 27-28 eclipse is anything but ordinary. At maximum eclipse, 96.2% of the moon will be immersed in Earth's umbra, the darkest part of our planet's shadow. That means only a thin sliver of the lunar surface will remain directly illuminated by the sun, while the rest of the moon will take on a deep reddish-orange hue. If you miss this one, you'll have to wait until Dec. 31, 2028 for another lunar eclipse that rivals it in spectacle. So whether you're planning on staying up late in the US or setting your alarms early in Europe, this is one skywatching show that's well worth making time for! Daisy Dobrijevic Social Links Navigation Skywatching Editor