Partial lunar eclipse to cover 93% of the Moon’s diameter on 28 August

Skywatchers are getting another reason to look up this month as the Moon prepares to pass through Earth’s shadow in a deep partial lunar eclipse on August 28, 2026.

The celestial event comes just weeks after the spectacular total solar eclipse of August 12, giving astronomy enthusiasts another major event to follow before the summer draws to a close. Spain’s National Geographic Institute (IGN) confirms that the August 28 eclipse will be visible across Spain, while at least part of the event will also be seen from Europe, Africa, the Americas and western Asia. 

Unlike a solar eclipse, this one comes with no special viewing restrictions. The IGN says the lunar eclipse can be watched safely with the naked eye, with no protective glasses or specialised equipment required.

Almost the entire Moon enters the shadow

What makes this eclipse particularly interesting is its depth.

The event has a magnitude of about 0.93, meaning Earth’s darkest shadow — the umbra — will reach roughly 93% of the Moon’s diameter at maximum eclipse. That does not mean 93% of the Moon’s surface will be darkened; the figure describes how far the Earth’s umbral shadow extends across the Moon’s apparent diameter.

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves between the Sun and Moon, allowing the Moon to travel through the shadow cast by Earth.

When the Moon passes completely into the umbra, the event is classified as a total lunar eclipse. But when only part of the lunar disc enters that darkest shadow, it becomes a partial lunar eclipse — the category for the August 28 event.

Spain gets a front-row seat — but timing matters

The entire country of Spain will be able to see at least part of the partial phase before the Moon disappears below the horizon. However, not every location will get to watch the eclipse all the way through.

In central and eastern mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands and Melilla, the Moon will set before the partial phase has finished.

In contrast, observers in the rest of mainland Spain, the Canary Islands and Ceuta will see the Moon remain above the horizon until after the partial phase ends.

That makes location an important part of the viewing experience. The IGN recommends finding a spot with a clear, unobstructed view toward the horizon where the Moon will set, while favourable weather will, naturally, be another key factor.

For anyone hoping to capture the event on camera, a clear horizon may prove more valuable than sophisticated equipment.

For August 28, however, there is no need for eclipse glasses or complicated preparation.

All that is required is a clear sky, an unobstructed horizon — and a willingness to look up.

The Moon will do the rest.