Near total ‘blood moon' coming August 27: Which regions will see it best?

Skywatchers across the Americas are in prime position for a spectacular celestial show as a deep partial lunar eclipse graces the night sky on August 27-28.

As reported by NASA, around 96% of the moon’s surface will be covered by Earth’s shadow.

The eclipse will be visible to billions across North and South America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, with the Western Hemisphere enjoying the best front-row seats.

When and where to watch

• Chicago area: Peak coverage around 11:00 p.m. CDT, with the moon high in the sky
• Ohio: Peak at 12:12 a.m. EDT Friday, August 28, with up to 96% coverage
• Oregon’s Willamette Valley: Maximum eclipse at 9:12 p.m. EDT
• Global Audience: Nearly 1 billion people in the U.S., Canada, and Central/ South America will have full views

When’s the next total lunar eclipse?

This marks 2026’s second lunar eclipse, coming two weeks after a total solar eclipse swept through Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.

This particular lunar blackout is the last one until New Year's Eve 2028, when Asia and Australia will take centre stage again. The next lunar blackout in North and South America will take place in 2029.