The Americas are set to have a prominent viewing position for an upcoming deep partial lunar eclipse, with nearly one billion people in North and South America able to witness the event. This celestial occurrence will see Earth's shadow cover approximately 96% of the lunar surface, creating a significant partial eclipse.
This event follows two weeks after a total solar eclipse was visible in Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. Eclipses often occur in pairs as the sun, moon, and Earth align. The upcoming lunar eclipse is expected to have a wider audience than the recent solar event. While visibility requires clear skies, the eclipsed moon will be observable across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station and China’s orbiting outpost may also have a unique perspective on the eclipse. NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway noted from the International Space Station that "this is a great time to be part of the space program, right? We’re not slowing down." The space station's commander, Jessica Meir, added that space offers a "unique perspective" for observing cosmic phenomena.
During the eclipse, Earth will pass between the sun and the moon, casting a reddish-orange shadow. Because it is a partial eclipse, the alignment will not be perfect, and it will not be a true "blood moon."
The partial phase of the eclipse is expected to last over three hours, with the entire event, from the moon entering Earth's outer shadow until it exits, spanning approximately 5.5 hours. The eclipse will reach its peak just after midnight Eastern Daylight Time.
While North, Central, and South America will have optimal viewing conditions for the entire event, over 3 billion people globally, or 44% of the world's population, will be able to see at least part of it. For those in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, the eclipsed moon will be setting, shortening the viewing time. In Hawaii and parts of the western U.S. and Canada, the moon will be rising as the eclipse begins.
This marks the second lunar eclipse of the year and the fourth eclipse overall. A total lunar eclipse was visible in the Americas, Australia, and eastern Asia in March. The next total lunar eclipse will occur on New Year's Eve 2028, primarily visible from Asia and Australia. Stargazers in North and South America will not see another full lunar eclipse until 2029.