The August 27–28 blood moon total lunar eclipse will peak at 11:44 p.m. ET for Eastern states, 10:44 p.m. CT for Central states, 9:44 p.m. MT for Mountain states, and 8:44 p.m. PT for Pacific states.
That is the exact minute. Mark it.
This is not a total eclipse. It is a deep partial — 96% of the lunar disk enters Earth’s umbra. The effect is nearly identical. The sky will turn red.
The Science Behind the Red Sky
Earth’s shadow has two parts: the penumbra (partial shadow) and the umbra (full shadow). When the moon passes through the umbra, sunlight is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere.
Rayleigh scattering strips blue light. Red light bends through the atmosphere and lands on the moon’s surface.
That is the blood moon. A 96% coverage still produces a vivid crimson glow. The sliver of unshadowed moon remains bright white, creating a stark contrast.
What makes August 27–28 unique: the moon spends 3 hours and 18 minutes inside the umbra. All of North America gets a view. No travel required.
Exact Peak Minute by State
Times below reflect local time on August 27 unless otherwise noted. Use these for your alarm.
| Time Zone | Representative States | Peak Minute (Local Time) |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Time (ET) | New York, Florida, Georgia | 11:44 PM ET |
| Central Time (CT) | Texas, Illinois, Louisiana | 10:44 PM CT |
| Mountain Time (MT) | Colorado, Arizona, Utah | 9:44 PM MT |
| Pacific Time (PT) | California, Washington, Oregon | 8:44 PM PT |
| Alaska | Anchorage | 6:44 PM AKDT (low on horizon) |
| Hawaii | Honolulu | 5:44 PM HST (moonrise during eclipse) |
Alaska and Hawaii face visibility caveats. The moon sits low on the horizon during peak. An unobstructed eastern view is mandatory. Urban observers in Anchorage or Honolulu should find a hill or waterfront.
State Spotlight: Oregon’s Willamette Valley
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) forecasts clear skies for the evening of August 27. The Willamette Valley is positioned well.
Salem’s peak time is 8:44 PM PT. The moon rises at 7:52 PM PT, already partially eclipsed. By 8:44 PM, 96% coverage delivers the red glow.
Best local viewing spots in the Salem and Portland metro area:
- Mount Tabor Park (Portland) — elevation 636 feet, clear eastern horizon
- Willamette Riverfront Park (Salem) — open sky, minimal tree cover
- Marys Peak (west of Corvallis) — 4,097 feet, best dark-sky option
- Silver Falls State Park — dark skies, east-facing meadows
Gear checklist: binoculars (7×50 recommended), a red flashlight for preserving night vision, and a lawn chair. No telescope needed. The event spans hours.
How to Watch the Blood Moon at Maximum
Step 1: Find your state’s exact peak minute using the table above. Set an alarm 30 minutes prior.
Step 2: Choose an unobstructed eastern or southeastern horizon. Moonrise timing matters. In Pacific states, the moon rises during the eclipse — arrive early.
Step 3: Adjust for urban light pollution. Apps like Dark Sky Finder or Light Pollution Map identify nearby dark-sky sites. A 20-minute drive from downtown often suffices.
Step 4: Photograph with a smartphone or DSLR. For DSLR: ISO 1600, f/5.6, shutter speed 1–2 seconds. Smartphone: tap to lock focus, reduce exposure by 1 stop, use a tripod.
Step 5: Watch the color shift. At onset, the moon is bright orange. By maximum, it deepens to crimson. The northern edge stays slightly brighter due to the 4% unshadowed sliver.
Common Mistakes and Viewer Pain Points — Solved
Mistake 1: Confusing partial with total. 96% is not 100%. But visually, the difference is negligible. The red glow appears at roughly 90% coverage. You will not be disappointed.
Mistake 2: Time zone errors. Double-check your local conversion. A 30-minute error means you miss the deepest red. Use time.is to verify.
Mistake 3: Cloud cover. Check radar via Clear Outside or NOAA’s satellite loop 2 hours prior. If clouds block your view, live-streams from timeanddate.com and Virtual Telescope Project will carry the event.
Mistake 4: Equipment failure. Red light preserves night vision. White light destroys it. No flash photography. Bring spare batteries for binoculars (if powered) and cameras.
Beyond August 27–28: What’s Next
Total lunar eclipses visible in the U.S. are rare. The next one occurs on March 3, 2027 — visible across the eastern half of the country.
A deep partial eclipse follows on July 6, 2028, with 94% coverage for West Coast viewers.
For those who want to track these events, local astronomy clubs are the resource. The Astronomical League maintains a directory of 400+ affiliated clubs. Membership costs $20–$40 annually.
This August eclipse sets the stage. It’s a near-total preview for the full event in 2027.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What time does the blood moon peak on August 27–28?
- A: Peak times by time zone: 11:44 PM ET, 10:44 PM CT, 9:44 PM MT, 8:44 PM PT, 6:44 PM AKDT, and 5:44 PM HST.
- Q: Is the August 27–28 eclipse total or partial?
- A: It is a deep partial eclipse, with 96% of the lunar disk entering Earth’s umbra, producing a nearly identical blood red effect.
- Q: Why does the moon turn red during a lunar eclipse?
- A: Rayleigh scattering filters blue light, while red light bends through Earth’s atmosphere and lands on the moon’s surface.
- Q: Do I need to travel to see the blood moon?
- A: No, the eclipse is visible across all of North America, and no travel is required.
Extended Reading
Sky & Telescope’s Bob King details the August 27–28 event in “Next Up! A Deep Partial Lunar Eclipse on Aug. 27–28,” noting that the 96% coverage makes it a “near-blood moon” experience.
The Statesman Journal reports OMSI forecasts clear skies for Oregon’s Willamette Valley, with Salem’s peak occurring at 8:44 PM PT.
Set your alarm. Mark your calendar. Share your photos with #BloodMoon2026.