The Moon will take on a reddish or copper-colored hue during a partial lunar eclipse visible across much of the Americas, with up to 93% of its diameter entering the darkest part of Earth’s shadow.

The night of August 27 will bring a new astronomical spectacle for millions of people. According to NASA, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible across much of North and South America, as well as parts of Europe and Africa.

  • Why it matters: The phenomenon can be viewed with the naked eye and without special protection, unlike solar eclipses. In the United States, the maximum eclipse will occur between the night of August 27 and the early hours of August 28, depending on the time zone.

What the Moon Will Look Like During the Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse

During the eclipse, the Full Moon will pass through the shadow cast by Earth. At the moment of greatest eclipse, approximately 93% of the lunar diameter will be inside the umbra, the central and darkest part of Earth’s shadow.

This means it will not be a total lunar eclipse. However, much of the Moon’s visible surface will become noticeably darker, and the covered portion could take on reddish or copper-colored tones.

  • The key detail: The eclipse will occur during the night of August 27 and continue into August 28 in some time zones.
  • Where to watch: NASA says the Blood Moon lunar eclipse will be visible across much of North America, including the United States and Canada.

Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse Times Across the United States

The time of maximum eclipse will vary by city because of the different time zones. According to times published by BBC Sky at Night Magazine, these are some of the main reference times in the United States:

  • New York: 12:12 a.m. on August 28.
  • Chicago and Houston: 11:12 p.m. on August 27.
  • Denver: 10:12 p.m. on August 27.
  • Los Angeles: 9:12 p.m. on August 27.

The information provided indicates that the phenomenon will also be visible from Canada, although it does not include specific times for Canadian cities.

Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse Will Be Visible From the U.S. and Canada: Dates and Times
Blood Moon Lunar Eclipse Will Be Visible From the U.S. and Canada: Dates and Times – PHOTO: Shutterstock

Why Is It Called a “Blood Moon”?

The reddish color has an explanation related to Earth’s atmosphere. According to NASA, it is the same physical phenomenon that helps make the sky appear blue while giving sunrises and sunsets their red and orange colors.

During a lunar eclipse, Earth blocks much of the Sun’s direct light. The light that manages to pass through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon loses much of its blue wavelengths, which scatter more easily.

  • The effect: Red and orange wavelengths travel more directly through the atmosphere and reach the lunar surface.
  • One way to understand it: It is as though the light from all of Earth’s sunrises and sunsets were being projected onto the Moon.

The Eclipse Can Be Viewed Without Special Protection

Anyone who wants to watch the Blood Moon lunar eclipse will not need eclipse glasses. NASA explains that lunar eclipses are safe to observe directly with the naked eye.

Binoculars or a small telescope can also be used to get a closer look at Earth’s curved shadow as it moves across the lunar surface.

  • What’s next: The night of Thursday, August 27, into Friday, August 28, will be the key time to find a location with a clear view of the sky and watch the eclipse.