Deep partial lunar eclipse to turn Moon reddish across Americas, Europe

Skywatchers across the Americas, Europe and Africa are preparing for a deep partial lunar eclipse late Thursday into early Friday, when Earth’s shadow will cover roughly 96 percent of the Moon’s surface and lend the eclipsed portion a reddish or copper-colored appearance, according to NASA.

Eclipse spans Americas, Europe and Africa

The greatest eclipse is expected at approximately 0412GMT on Aug. 28, according to the US space agency. Observers across much of the Americas will be able to view the event in its entirety, while those in parts of Europe and Africa will catch portions of the eclipse as the Moon rises or sets. The entire eclipse sequence will last more than five hours from the beginning of the penumbral phase to its end, although the deep partial phase will be considerably shorter.

Atmospheric scattering to create reddish glow

At maximum, roughly 93 percent of the Moon’s diameter will sit within Earth’s umbra — the darkest part of the planet’s shadow — leaving only a small sliver outside, according to NASA and astronomical sources. The eclipsed portion is expected to take on a reddish or copper-colored appearance as sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere and is scattered and refracted, producing an effect sometimes associated with a “blood moon.” The event comes just over two weeks after a total solar eclipse on Aug. 12 that was visible across parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain, as solar and lunar eclipses commonly occur in pairs due to the alignment of the Sun, Earth and Moon.

No special equipment required for safe viewing

Unlike a solar eclipse, observers do not require special eye protection to view the lunar event, according to NASA. Binoculars or a telescope can provide a closer view of the shadow’s progression. Clear skies and an unobstructed horizon will offer the best conditions for watching the celestial display, experts noted.