Blood Moon 2026 Live Stream: Watch the August 27-28 Lunar Eclipse Online
A deep partial lunar eclipse will unfold overnight on Aug. 27-28, 2026, with the Moon expected to take on a striking reddish or coppery appearance as it moves through Earth’s shadow.
For people outside the viewing zone or anyone facing clouds, several astronomy organizations are offering free livestreams of the event.
The eclipse will reach its greatest point at 4:13 a.m. UTC on Aug. 28 (12:13 a.m. EDT), when 96.3% of the Moon’s disk will be inside Earth’s darkest shadow, or umbra, according to NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio.
Watch the August 2026 Lunar Eclipse Live
Why the Moon May Turn Red
Although widely promoted as a “Blood Moon,” this event is not a total lunar eclipse.
It is a deep partial eclipse. NASA says 96.3% of the Moon’s disk will enter the umbra, leaving a small portion outside the darkest shadow.
The reddish or coppery color comes from sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere and reaching the eclipsed portion of the Moon.
NASA describes the event as a deep partial eclipse, while astronomy outlets have used terms such as “almost Blood Moon” because of how much of the lunar surface will be immersed in Earth’s shadow.
When Is the Eclipse Happening?
The partial phase lasts about 3 hours and 18 minutes.
Who Can See It?
The Americas have the best opportunity to see the eclipse, while parts of western Europe and western Africa can also see portions of it.
NASA says the umbral portion is visible across the Americas, excluding Alaska and northwestern Canada, as well as western Europe and western Africa.
India will not be able to see the eclipse directly because the Moon will be below the horizon during the relevant phase.
That makes the online broadcasts particularly useful for Indian viewers.
Is It Safe to Watch?
Yes. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye without special eye protection, NASA says.
Binoculars or a small telescope can provide a closer look at the advancing shadow and lunar surface.
For those watching from a location where the eclipse is visible, a clear view of the sky and low light pollution will improve the experience.
For everyone else, the livestreams provide a way to follow the event as it happens.
