Deep Partial Lunar Eclipse Darkens 96% of Moon for Americas, Europe, Africa

A partial lunar eclipse will cover more than 96 % of the Moon on August 27–28, with the event peaking at 4:45 p.m. local time in the Americas and parts of Europe. Observers in North and South America, western Europe, and western Africa will see the darkened disc as Earth’s shadow slides across the lunar surface. The eclipse begins at 3:15 p.m., reaches maximum at 4:45 p.m., and ends at 6:30 p.m., giving several hours of twilight‑colored Moon to watch.

A partial lunar eclipse happens when the Moon passes through Earth’s penumbra, the outer part of the shadow. Unlike a total eclipse, the Moon never goes fully dark, but here the coverage is so deep that the Moon looks almost black for most of the event. The 96 % figure makes it one of the deepest partial eclipses in recent history, and it is a reminder that the geometry of the Earth–Moon–Sun system can produce dramatic, though not total, effects. The event is not a “blood moon,” but the slight reddish tint that sometimes appears when the Moon is partially in shadow is still possible, especially near the beginning and end of the eclipse.

Amateur astronomers and photographers can capture the eclipse with a few simple tools. A DSLR or mirrorless camera on a sturdy tripod is ideal. Use a wide‑angle lens (14–24 mm) to keep the whole Moon in frame, and set the exposure to 1–2 seconds to avoid over‑exposure. A neutral‑density filter can help control brightness. If you’re using a smartphone, enable the manual mode or use a dedicated astronomy app that can set exposure and ISO automatically. Plan to shoot at the peak, when the shadow is deepest, and then capture the Moon’s return to full brightness after the eclipse ends.

After the eclipse, the Moon will return to full illumination over the next few hours. The event is a good opportunity for educational outreach, as teachers can show students how Earth’s shadow works. It also precedes a total lunar eclipse on October 18, giving enthusiasts a chance to compare partial and total eclipses in the same season. For those who missed the August 27–28 event, the next chance to see a deep lunar eclipse will be in March 2025, when the Moon will be fully engulfed in Earth’s umbra.