Blood Solar Lunar Eclipse Aug 27–28: Skywatchers in the United States and Canada are in for a spectacular show this weekend as North America will be treated to a very deep partial lunar eclipse on the night of 27-28 August 2026. While North America missed out on the solar eclipse that occurred on 12 August this year, they are due to put on a very special show for skywatchers across Europe.
Why is the Moon Red?
A lunar eclipse can only occur when there is a full moon. While we get a full moon every month, the orbit of the moon is slightly tilted so that only every so often will we see an eclipse. When the sun, earth and moon align, the moon passes through the shadow of the Earth, resulting in an eclipse. During a full blood moon total lunar eclipse, the sun is completely blocked out by the Earth.
However, some sunlight still manages to refract through the atmosphere, illuminating the surface in copper-red and deep orange hues. With approximately 96% of the moon covered in shadow, most of the Earth facing the moon will see a brilliant red and orange-coloured moon.
Sturgeon Moon
The full moon in August has traditionally been known as the Sturgeon Moon since it is a time of year when sturgeon fish were known to be most plentiful. Because it is a full moon, the earth sees the moon at the exact opposite point of the sun. As the sun sets in the west, the moon rises in the east. Being in the summer, the moon rises lower on the horizon in the south throughout the night and the eclipse shall have following phases:
- Penumbral Phase: The moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, causing a slight darkening of the limb
- Partial (umbral): The core shadow takes a noticeable “bite”
- Greatest Eclipse: 96% of the moon is in shadow
- Exit Phases: The moon exits the umbra and penumbra
Also Read: The Science Behind Everyday Technologies that we often take for Granted
When to see the eclipse
For major cities across the United States and Canada, the eclipse will peak at the following times:
- Date & Time (UTC): 28 August 02:34 (or 27 August 22:34 EDT)
- Peak Eclipse: 04:13 UTC
The following chart highlights the time of the Greatest Eclipse for major cities across the U.S and Canada, which occurs at either the end of 27 August or beginning of 28 August, depending on the time zone.
| Region | City | Time Zone | Greatest Eclipse |
| USA | New York, NY | EDT | 00:12 (Aug 28) |
| Chicago, IL | CDT | 23:12 (Aug 27) | |
| Houston, TX | CDT | 23:12 (Aug 27) | |
| Denver, CO | MDT | 22:12 (Aug 27) | |
| Los Angeles, CA | PDT | 21:12 (Aug 27) | |
| Canada | Halifax, NS | ADT | 01:12 (Aug 28) |
| Montreal, QC | EDT | 00:12 (Aug 28) | |
| Toronto, ON | EDT | 00:12 (Aug 28) | |
| Winnipeg, MB | CDT | 23:12 (Aug 27) | |
| Calgary, AB | MDT | 22:12 (Aug 27) |
How to watch the eclipse
Unlike solar eclipses where special viewing equipment is required, it is completely safe to look at the lunar eclipse with the naked eye. While you can enjoy the show with the naked eye, using binoculars or a small telescope will enable you to see the craters near the shadow line.
As the eclipse begins, if you are west of a certain point, you may want to find an eastern horizon that is not blocked by buildings since the moon will be rising in the east during the early phases of the eclipse. To experience the rich reds and oranges, you may also want to view the eclipse away from city lights as the colors will appear deeper and richer.
The Supreme Intelligence Behind the Cosmic Order
Astronomical events remind us of the vastness of space, but science can only explain the mechanics of what is happening, not the why behind it all.
Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj states that this entire creation along with all the heavenly bodies is under the supreme control of the divine word power of Supreme God Kabir. In a transient region of the universe, which is governed by Kaal Brahm, we are governed by karmas but still the worship of Supreme God Kabir can take us out from every hardship.
Therefore, instead of being lost in the transience of the show, our real mission should be to understand and recognize the Supreme Creator and achieve salvation. Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the only ‘Tatvdarshi Sant’ of this age, provides us with divine and authentic scriptures based knowledge that explains the mystery of cosmic creation and the path to reach Satlok, our heavenly abode.
Unveil the divine mystery behind planetary motion and life in this universe at:
To obtain true spiritual wisdom and understand our real purpose, visit:
- Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
- YouTube:Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
- Facebook: Spiritual Leader Saint Rampal Ji
- ‘X’ handle: @SaintRampalJiM
