Americas to witness 96% lunar eclipse on August 23

On the night of August 27 into the early hours of August 28, observers across the Americas will have a prime opportunity to view a deep partial lunar eclipse, as Earth's shadow is set to cover 96 percent of the lunar surface. This celestial event, occurring just two weeks after a total solar eclipse, will be visible to billions of people worldwide, though the Americas will be in the best position for a full view.

The eclipse will begin as Earth passes between the sun and the full moon, casting its shadow onto the lunar surface. The partial phase, during which the darkest part of Earth's shadow covers most of the moon, will last more than three hours. The entire event, from the moment the full moon enters the faint outer edge of the shadow until it exits, will span approximately five and a half hours, peaking just after midnight Eastern Daylight Time. For the United States, Canada, and Central and South America, nearly one billion people will be able to witness the entire eclipse. More than three billion people globally, across North and South America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, will be able to see at least a portion of the event, provided local skies are clear.