Europeans are set to observe a deep partial lunar eclipse in the early hours of Friday, August 28, just before dawn, according to astronomical data provided by timeanddate. The celestial event occurs roughly two weeks after a total solar eclipse that crossed the continent earlier in the month, as the Earth, Sun, and Moon align imperfectly to cast the planet’s shadow across a significant portion of the lunar disk.
Sturgeon Moon Color Changes and Viewing Safety
During the Friday event, the full Moon—traditionally known as the Sturgeon Moon, named after the giant North American fish—will reach 96.2% coverage by the Earth’s darker inner shadow, known as the umbra. According to timeanddate, the Moon can take on a brownish-red hue because the edge of the Earth’s shadow features a reddish glow created by sunlight filtering through the planet’s atmosphere. Unlike the total solar eclipse earlier in the month, no special solar viewing glasses are required; according to observational guidelines, looking directly at the Moon during a partial lunar eclipse is entirely safe, and observers using binoculars or telescopes will see the shadow in greater detail.
Pro Tip: Western-facing viewing locations with clear skies will offer the sharpest view of the eclipse. For those experiencing poor weather, timeanddate will host a live stream of the event on YouTube.
Observing Conditions Across Spain
Spain offers some of the strongest viewing conditions in Europe, with the eclipse visible from the entire Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla, provided skies remain clear. Timings vary by region: in central and eastern Spain, the Balearic Islands, and Melilla, the Moon will set before the partial phase concludes, while the rest of the country, including the Canary Islands and Ceuta, will witness the entire sequence. According to local timetables, the Moon rises at 21:01 on August 27 and sets at 07:47 on August 28. The partial phase begins at 04:34 and ends at 07:52, an hour earlier in the Canary Islands. The maximum phase occurs near 06:12, just before sunrise, when the Earth’s shadow covers 93% of the lunar disk.
Visibility in Italy and France
Major Italian cities including Naples, Rome, and Venice anticipate favorable, low-cloud conditions to view roughly 93% of the eclipse, followed by Bologna, Turin, Genoa, and Milan, though Genoa and Milan face forecasts of heavy cloud cover. The Italian partial eclipse runs from 03:23 to 09:01, peaking at 06:12. In contrast, French forecasts indicate heavy clouds and potential rain on Friday morning, which may obscure the event. French observers will see the Moon enter the Earth’s shadow around 03:20, with color changes visible from 04:34. The peak occurs near 06:13 at a low altitude of only 8° above the horizon, where early morning light could hinder visibility. According to regional forecasts, Marseille and Strasbourg hold the best chances of clear skies despite a risk of heavy rain or thunderstorms.
Portugal and Germany Timings
In Portugal, early risers can follow the entire partial eclipse from 02:23 to 08:01 local time, with Lisbon and Amadora showing the clearest predicted skies, alongside favorable conditions in Braga and Coimbra. In Germany, operating on Central European Summer Time, the eclipse peaks at 06:13. In the eastern part of the country, the Moon will have set and the Sun will have risen by that point, though the phenomenon starts at 04:33. According to the Haus der Astronomie, the extreme western regions experience a delay of just over half an hour in moonset, sunrise, and moonset schedules, allowing residents there to observe a larger portion of the eclipse before the umbral exit concludes at 07:53.
Did You Know? A partial lunar eclipse always occurs roughly two weeks before or after a solar eclipse because the Moon’s orbital plane intersects the Earth’s orbital plane at an angle, allowing the shadow alignment to repeat during adjacent lunar cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special glasses to watch a lunar eclipse?
No. Unlike a solar eclipse, looking directly at the Moon during a partial lunar eclipse is completely safe and requires no protective eyewear.
What causes the reddish color on the Moon?
According to timeanddate, the reddish tint comes from sunlight filtering through the Earth’s atmosphere along the edge of the planet’s shadow, casting a reddish glow onto the lunar surface.
Can I watch the eclipse online if it rains?
Yes. Observers facing heavy cloud cover or rain can follow a live broadcast of the event on the timeanddate YouTube channel.
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