The “Blood Moon” Returns: Date and Time of the Rare Lunar Eclipse

The August sky will offer another astronomical phenomenon following the total solar eclipse on August 12.

In the early hours of August 28, a partial lunar eclipse will occur, during which the Moon will take on reddish hues, creating the spectacle known as a “Blood Moon.”

The phenomenon is expected to begin at around 04:40 and reach its peak at approximately 06:10. At that point, the Earth’s shadow will cover up to 90% of the lunar disk.

Italian astrophotographer Alessandra Masi explains that the August 2026 eclipse season is still underway. The solar eclipse on August 12 and the lunar eclipse on August 28 are part of the same eclipse season. Two such phenomena, separated by a period of around two weeks, can occur when the Sun is near the nodes of the Moon’s orbit.

How does the Moon turn red?

During a lunar eclipse, the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon, preventing direct sunlight from reaching the lunar surface. However, some of the Sun’s rays still pass through the Earth’s atmosphere.

The blue components of light are scattered more by the atmosphere, while red and orange hues pass through it more easily. As a result, the Moon is not completely engulfed in darkness but takes on shades ranging from golden copper to dark red. This change creates the characteristic “Blood Moon” effect.

At the eclipse’s peak, the Moon will be very close to the western horizon. Its position could create striking photographic compositions with mountains, buildings, or other features of the landscape.

Photography may be made more difficult by the brightening sky, as the contrast between it and the Moon will be lower. However, the same conditions could make it possible to capture rare and spectacular images.

Atmospheric refraction may also affect the apparent shape of the lunar disk, making it appear slightly flattened or oval. If conditions are favorable, an unusual sight may be visible in the twilight: an oval, partially eclipsed Moon.