Deep partial lunar eclipse paints moon red-orange across three continents

A near-total lunar eclipse on August 27–28, 2026, darkened more than 96 percent of the moon's disk, with the peak at 12:13 a.m. EDT. The reddish hue resulted from Earth's atmosphere scattering shorter wavelengths while allowing red light to pass through. Observers in North America, Europe, and Africa captured images of the event, which lasted from about 9:23 p.m. EDT to 3:02 a.m. EDT.

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The eclipse marked the year's final lunar event, with the moon passing through Earth's umbral shadow for roughly five and a half hours. The deep partial phase, exceeding 96 percent coverage, produced the characteristic blood-red appearance as atmospheric refraction filtered out shorter wavelengths while transmitting longer red-orange light.

Photographers documented the event from diverse landmarks including the Washington Monument, Istanbul's Nuruosmaniye Mosque, and Italy's Rocca Calascio fortress. Skywatchers anticipating future events