A partial lunar eclipse is scheduled to occur in the early morning hours of August 28, providing viewing opportunities across multiple regions. The event will begin at 3.33am BST, when Earth’s shadow will start obscuring the moon’s illuminated face. The eclipse will reach its maximum intensity shortly after 5.10am, at which point only a small crescent of the moon will remain directly lit by the sun.
During the eclipse’s peak, the lunar surface is expected to display a distinctive coppery-red coloration. This phenomenon results from sunlight being bent and refracted through Earth’s atmosphere as it enters the planet’s shadow, creating a subtle glow on the moon’s surface. The effect will be visible to observers across the UK, Europe, and Africa.
For optimal viewing in these regions, observers should position themselves where they have a clear, unobstructed view toward the western horizon, as the moon will be descending throughout the event. The eclipse will gradually fade from view as daylight approaches from the east. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses pose no safety hazards for naked-eye observation, and binoculars can enhance the viewing experience by revealing additional color variations across the lunar surface.
The eclipse will also be visible from the Americas, where observers can watch the complete event beginning late on August 27. Viewers in New Zealand will only be able to see the final stages of the eclipse much later on August 28.
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