Free online broadcasts to showcase August's near-total lunar eclipse
A partial lunar eclipse on August 27-28 will cover 96% of the full moon in Earth's shadow, creating an 'almost blood moon' effect. Several free YouTube livestreams, including from Time and Date and the Griffith Observatory, will provide real-time views and expert commentary for viewers unable to see the event directly. The eclipse will be visible from anywhere on the night side of Earth, with streams starting around 10 p.m. EDT on August 27.
The eclipse's 96% coverage means the moon will pass deeply into Earth's umbral shadow, leaving only a thin sliver of direct sunlight. This near-total event is sometimes called an "almost blood moon" because the remaining illumination filters through Earth's atmosphere, scattering blue light and casting a reddish glow across the lunar surface. The Sturgeon Moon nickname derives from traditional Algonquin naming for August's full moon.
Three separate livestreams offer different perspectives. Time and Date's broadcast features hosts Graham Jones and Anne Buckle observing from Portugal and Spain, while the Virtual Telescope Project's Gianluca Masi will draw on telescope feeds from Italy and Chile. The Griffith Observatory adds a West Coast American viewpoint, beginning slightly later than the others.
This event could draw significant public engagement because lunar eclipses are among the most accessible astronomical phenomena, requiring no special equipment. The free livestreams may particularly benefit urban viewers, those in cloudy regions, and educators seeking real-time science demonstrations. The "almost blood moon" framing could also attract casual observers who might otherwise overlook a partial eclipse, potentially boosting general interest in astronomy and encouraging more people to look skyward.