The “Blood Moon” rises during a total lunar eclipse in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, March 3, 2026. – Photo courtesy of Noel Celis, REUTERS
After an already-eventful celestial month, astronomers are forecasting tonight’s skies could offer a spooky sendoff for August — thanks to an “eerie” partial lunar eclipse and “blood moon” that’s set to occur late Thursday and into the early hours of Friday morning.
Per NASA, during a lunar eclipse blood moon, the Earth’s shadow will hide most all of the moon, wrapping it in darkness and casting a spooky, reddish hue on the moon’s surface, in the process.
The lunar event is rare, but luckily, not totally fleeting; experts predict the eclipse will last a total five hours and 38 minutes, with the best viewing times varying depending on your location — more on that below.
Unlike other August celestial events that saw the best visibility in Europe — like the August 2026 solar eclipse, planet parade, or Perseid meteor shower — this lunar occurrence is best seen in the Americas. For a complete August lunar eclipse blood moon viewing guide, read on:
What you need to see tonight’s ‘blood moon’ lunar eclipse
Fortunately, the moon is much more forgiving on the eyes than the sun, and unlike the solar eclipse that took place earlier this month, you won’t need special solar eclipse glasses in order to take in the views of tonight’s lunar eclipse blood moon.
Certain sky-watching essentials can be helpful to ensure you get the best view, though, like a telescope or binoculars; I’ve linked out a few of my favorite stargazing products below.
The best telescope for viewing the lunar eclipse
Designed for adults, kids, and beginner stargazers alike, this travel telescope is equipped with 70mm aperture for the clearest views of the moon, planets, and other celestial displays.
It’s not a proper telescope, but these high-tech binoculars offer an unparalleled view of the night sky, with superior optics that’ll give amateur astronomers an up-close glimpse of the grandest celestial events.
What is a ‘blood moon’ lunar eclipse?
A partial lunar eclipse often shows reddish hues on the moon, whereas a total lunar eclipse is quite literally nicknamed a “blood moon,” due to its “eerie” red coloring that occurs after the Earth moves between the sun and moon, blocking direct sunlight.
What time is tonight’s lunar eclipse ‘blood moon’?
The best time to look up and watch the lunar eclipse blood moon will vary depending on your location. Here’s a lunar eclipse blood moon timeline breakdown by several major cities worldwide:
Los Angeles: 9:14 pm
New York: 12:14 am
Chicago: 11:14 pm
London: 5:12 am
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