Southern California skywatchers will have a chance to see an “almost blood moon” this week as a partial lunar eclipse darkens nearly the entire moon.
The partial lunar eclipse will unfold overnight Aug. 27-28, when Earth’s shadow is expected to cover about 96% of the lunar surface, according to Space.com.
With only a thin sliver of the moon remaining in direct sunlight at the eclipse’s peak, much of the lunar surface could take on a striking reddish or crimson hue.
The blood moon is seen shortly after a total lunar eclipse in Guwahati, India, Tuesday, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
The phenomenon occurs when Earth passes between the sun and moon during a full moon, causing the planet’s curved inner shadow to move across the lunar surface.
And Southern California will be in a prime position to see it.
For West Coast viewers, including those in Los Angeles, the eclipse will reach its maximum point just a few hours after sunset, Space.com reports.
Roughly 3.3 billion people across North America, South America and portions of Europe and Africa will be able to see at least part of the celestial show. Although the eclipse occurs simultaneously around the world, the local time at which each phase is visible varies by location.
Unlike a solar eclipse, no special glasses or protective equipment are needed to safely watch a lunar eclipse. The event can be viewed with the naked eye, although binoculars or a telescope can provide a closer look as Earth’s shadow moves across the moon.
Not everyone will get a view. The moon will be below the horizon for much of Australia and Asia while the eclipse is underway, making the event impossible to see with the naked eye from countries including India, China and Japan.
The Aug. 27-28 event is expected to be the deepest lunar eclipse until New Year’s Eve 2028-29, according to Space.com.
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