Watch Tonight’s Rare ‘Blood Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse — Exact Times, Live Streams & Viewing Tips

Skywatchers across the globe are in for a spectacle tonight as the Moon slips into Earth’s shadow during a deep partial—almost total—lunar eclipse, often nicknamed a “Blood Moon.” At maximum eclipse 96 % of the lunar disk will darken to a copper-red hue, creating an event that looks indistinguishable from a full totality to the unaided eye. Key facts you need to know • Date: Thursday night into Friday morning, 27–28 August 2026 • Peak time: 04:13 UTC (adjust to your time zone below) • Eclipse type: Deep partial lunar eclipse (popularly called Blood Moon) • Visibility: North and South America will see the entire event; Europe, western Africa and the eastern Pacific catch it near moonset or moonrise. • Eye safety: Unlike solar eclipses, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to watch without filters or glasses. When and where to watch Convert the peak moment of 04:13 UTC to 12:13 a.m. EDT, 9:13 p.m. PDT and 05:13 BST. The penumbral shading begins about an hour earlier, but the dramatic reddening starts once the Moon enters Earth’s dark umbra at 02:33 UTC (10:33 p.m. EDT). The umbral phase lasts a full 3 hours, so casual observers have plenty of time to step outside and look up. If clouds spoil your local sky, multiple observatories and space-focused channels are streaming the eclipse live in 4K; simply search “Blood Moon live stream” on YouTube for real-time views. Why does the Moon turn red? During a lunar eclipse, Earth blocks direct sunlight but our atmosphere bends and filters the remaining light toward the Moon. Shorter blue wavelengths scatter outward while longer red and orange wavelengths slip through, painting the eclipsed Moon with a rusty glow. The exact tint depends on the amount of dust, smoke and cloud cover in Earth’s atmosphere at the time. Photography tips 1. Use a telephoto lens (200 mm or longer) and a sturdy tripod. 2. Start with settings of ISO 400, f/5.6 and 1-second exposure, then bracket. 3. Shoot just before maximum eclipse for the deepest color. Next chance Tonight’s near-total Blood Moon is the last major lunar eclipse visible from the Americas until May 2027, so don’t miss it. Clear skies, a comfortable chair and a warm drink are all you need to witness one of nature’s most accessible celestial shows.