Residents of the United States, Canada, Mexico and other parts of the Americas have a special celestial event to look forward to this week. On Thursday night, a partial lunar eclipse will occur at the same time as the full Sturgeon Moon, creating a striking sight for anyone who steps outside after dark.
When and where to watch
The eclipse will begin at 10:34 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday and reach its maximum at 12:13 a.m. ET on Friday. The peak of the full moon follows shortly after, at 12:18 a.m. ET. Because the event takes place during the evening and early‑morning hours, most locations across North and South America will be able to see at least part of the eclipse.
What to expect
During a partial lunar eclipse the Earth’s shadow, or umbra, covers only a portion of the moon. This week’s eclipse is nearly total, with about 96 % of the lunar surface slipping into shadow. Unlike a total eclipse, the moon will not turn a deep, blood‑red color. Instead, a thin sliver of the moon will remain illuminated by direct sunlight, giving the scene a subtle, muted glow.
NASA planetary scientist Noah Petro explained that because a small part of the moon stays lit, the dramatic orange hue seen in total eclipses will be less pronounced. Viewers can still enjoy the contrast between the darkened portion and the bright crescent.
How to get the best view
Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye. To maximize the experience, find a dark, open space away from streetlights or other bright sources. Parks, fields or even a backyard with an unobstructed view of the southern sky work well. Bring a comfortable chair or a hammock, and consider using binoculars for added detail, though they are not required.
Why the Sturgeon Moon matters
The full moon in August is traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon. The name comes from Algonquin‑speaking peoples around the Great Lakes, who harvested lake sturgeon during this time. Other Indigenous groups have their own names: the Assiniboine of the Northern Great Plains refer to it as the Black Cherries Moon, while Eastern Woodlands nations call it the Green Corn Moon.
Looking ahead
2026 will feature four more full moons, including two supermoons in November and December when the moon is at its closest point to Earth and appears larger and brighter. Astronomers and sky‑watchers can mark their calendars for those future events.
Whether you are an experienced astronomer or simply enjoy a quiet night outdoors, this week’s partial lunar eclipse paired with the Sturgeon Moon offers a reminder of the beauty and order of God‑created heavens.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
