Residents of the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America will have front‑row seats to a striking celestial event this weekend. On Thursday night, the Moon will slip into Earth’s shadow, creating a near‑total lunar eclipse that will mask roughly 96% of the lunar surface. The eclipse will reach its peak just after midnight Eastern Daylight Time, and the partial phase will last more than three hours, with the entire event spanning about five and a half hours.
Why this eclipse matters
Unlike a total solar eclipse, which briefly blocks the Sun, a lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a reddish‑orange shadow on our nearest neighbor. Because the alignment is not perfect this time, the Moon will not turn a deep “blood moon,” but the visual effect will still be dramatic, especially for viewers in the Americas where the Moon will be high in the sky.
Scientists note that eclipses travel in pairs: a solar eclipse is typically followed by a lunar eclipse two weeks later, as the Sun, Earth and Moon line up in a precise geometry. This pattern repeats because the Moon is about 400 times smaller than the Sun, yet also about 400 times closer to Earth, making the two appear nearly the same size from our perspective.
Who can watch?
Nearly one billion people in the United States, Canada, and the broader Americas will be able to see the eclipse in its entirety, provided clouds do not obstruct the view. An additional three billion people—about 44% of the world’s population—will be positioned to catch at least part of the event as the Moon rises or sets in their region.
In Europe, Africa and the Middle East the eclipse will be visible as the Moon sets, shortening the viewing window. In Hawaii and the far‑western Pacific, the Moon will rise later, giving a delayed start for observers there.
Space‑based perspective
NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway, currently aboard the International Space Station, confirmed that the crew will have a unique view of the eclipse from orbit. Along with seven other ISS astronauts and three crew members on China’s Tiangong space station, they will witness the Earth’s shadow sweep across the Moon from a vantage point unavailable to ground‑based observers.
Space station commander Jessica Meir described the experience as offering a “unique perspective” on cosmic events such as eclipses and auroras, underscoring how spaceflight continues to deepen public appreciation for astronomy.
Looking ahead
This eclipse follows a total solar eclipse that crossed Greenland, Iceland and Spain earlier this month, and it is the second lunar eclipse of 2026. The next total lunar eclipse will not occur until New Year’s Eve 2028, when Asia and Australia will be the primary viewing zones. North and South American sky‑watchers will have to wait until 2029 for another full lunar eclipse visible from their region.
For those interested in observing, experts recommend finding a dark location away from city lights, using binoculars or a small telescope for enhanced detail, and checking local weather forecasts for clear skies. The event provides a reminder of the wonder of God’s creation and an opportunity for families to gather under the night sky, sharing a moment of awe that transcends daily concerns.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
