Skywatchers across Europe are in for a celestial treat early on Friday, 28 August, when a deep partial lunar eclipse will turn the Full Moon a rusty red. Unlike the total solar eclipse earlier this month, this event requires no special glasses—just a clear sky and a bit of patience.
During a partial lunar eclipse, the Sun, Earth, and Moon are not perfectly aligned, so the Moon passes through only part of Earth's shadow. At its peak, Earth's dark umbral shadow will cover 96.2% of the lunar disk, making this an almost total eclipse. The reddish hue comes from sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere, which scatters blue light and lets red light reach the Moon—a phenomenon often called a 'blood moon.'
This particular Full Moon is known as the Sturgeon Moon, a name borrowed from North American fishing traditions. While the name is not European, the spectacle is universal.
Where to watch in Spain
Spain is again the prime location, just as it was for the solar eclipse. The eclipse will be visible from the entire Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and Melilla, provided clouds stay away. However, timing varies: in central and eastern Spain, the Balearics, and Melilla, the Moon will set before the eclipse ends, while in the Canaries and Ceuta, the full process will be visible.
The Moon rises at 9:01 PM on 27 August and sets at 7:47 AM on 28 August. The partial phase begins at 4:34 AM and ends at 7:52 AM (one hour earlier in the Canaries). Maximum eclipse occurs at approximately 6:12 AM, when 93% of the lunar disk will be covered.
Italy: Best bets in Naples, Rome, and Venice
In Italy, current forecasts point to Naples, Rome, and Venice as the cities with the clearest skies, offering a 93% eclipse. Bologna follows closely, with Turin also a good option. Genoa and Milan will see the same coverage but are likely to be cloudier.
The eclipse begins at 3:23 AM local time, peaks at 6:12 AM, and ends at 9:01 AM.
France: Cloudy outlook, but Marseille and Strasbourg may shine
France faces a less favorable forecast, with widespread cloud and possible rain on Friday morning. The Moon enters Earth's shadow around 3:20 AM, with the red coloration becoming visible by 4:34 AM. The peak occurs at about 6:13 AM, but by then the Moon will be only 8° above the horizon, and morning twilight may interfere.
Marseille and Strasbourg currently have the best chances of clear skies, though heavy rain or lightning is possible elsewhere.
Portugal: Early risers rewarded
In Portugal, the eclipse starts at 2:23 AM local time and ends at 8:01 AM. Lisbon and Amadora have the clearest forecast, with Braga and Coimbra also promising.
Germany: Western regions get a better show
Germany, like the rest of the Central European Summer Time zone, will see the eclipse peak at 6:13 AM. However, by that time the Moon has already set and the Sun has risen in the east. In the far west, sunrise and moonset are delayed by about half an hour, so more of the eclipse will be visible. The Moon's exit from the umbra at 7:53 AM will occur long after sunrise and moonset across the country, according to the Haus der Astronomie.
For those who cannot step outside, timeanddate.com will stream the event live on YouTube.
This eclipse comes just weeks after the total solar eclipse that drew millions of Europeans outdoors. While that event required protective eyewear, this one is safe to view with the naked eye. Binoculars or a telescope will enhance the experience, making the shadow's progress more dramatic.
As with any astronomical event, weather is the wildcard. The best views will be where skies are clearest—so check local forecasts and set your alarm. Whether you're in a bustling capital or a quiet village, the eclipse is a reminder of our place in the cosmos.
