Europe’s Second Eclipse Spectacle in Two Weeks
Skywatchers across Europe are being treated to a rare astronomical double bill this month. Just two weeks after a total solar eclipse swept across northern Spain, Iceland and Greenland, the continent is set for a deep partial lunar eclipse in the early hours of Friday, 28 August — one that skywatching experts describe as the most striking lunar eclipse visible anywhere on Earth until New Year’s Eve 2028.
The timing is no coincidence. Partial lunar eclipses reliably occur roughly two weeks before or after a solar eclipse, since both depend on the relative alignment of the Sun, Earth and Moon. This time, that alignment will see the Full Moon pass through nearly all of Earth’s shadow, creating a dramatic and unusually deep partial eclipse.
What Makes This One Special
During a partial lunar eclipse, an imperfect alignment between the Sun, Earth and Moon means the Full Moon passes through only part of Earth’s shadow rather than the whole of it, so the shadow appears to grow across the lunar surface and then recede without ever fully covering the Moon. Friday’s event is set to be an especially deep one, with roughly 96.2% of the Moon’s surface passing into Earth’s dark inner shadow, known as the umbra.
That near-total coverage means the Moon could take on a distinctive rusty-red hue as the eclipse reaches its peak — the phenomenon popularly known as a “blood moon.” The colour shift happens because of Earth’s atmosphere: sunlight passing through the edges of our planet’s atmosphere bends and scatters, and only the longer, reddish wavelengths make it through to illuminate the shadowed Moon, giving it that glowing copper tone.
This particular Full Moon also carries a seasonal nickname of its own. Astronomers refer to August’s Full Moon as the “Sturgeon Moon,” a name traced back to North America, where the large fish it’s named after was traditionally most abundant and easiest to catch at this time of year.
Where in Europe Will See It Best
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Not every corner of Europe will get an equal view. Location and cloud cover will both play a major role in how spectacular the experience is, with places facing west and enjoying clear skies expected to have the best sightlines.
Spain is set to be the standout location on the continent, much as it was during the recent solar eclipse. The lunar eclipse will be visible from anywhere across the Iberian Peninsula, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and the Spanish territories of Ceuta and Melilla, weather permitting. Viewing times will vary somewhat by region: in central and eastern Spain, the Balearic Islands and Melilla, the Moon will set before the partial eclipse has fully finished, while observers in the rest of the country — including the Canary Islands and Ceuta — should be able to watch the full progression of the event.
Elsewhere in Europe, the picture is more mixed. Observers in the UK, much of Western and Central Europe, and southeastern Europe will generally catch the eclipse only as it approaches moonset in the early morning hours, meaning a clear, unobstructed western horizon will be essential. Experts advise finding a viewing spot with as little obstruction as possible toward the west — away from tall buildings, hills or trees — to catch the eclipse before the Moon dips below the horizon.
No Special Equipment Needed
Unlike solar eclipses, which require certified eclipse glasses or filtered equipment to view safely, lunar eclipses are entirely safe to watch with the naked eye. No protective gear is necessary at any stage of the event. That said, binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the experience considerably, bringing out finer detail in the Moon’s changing colour and shape as it moves through Earth’s shadow.
For those who find themselves under cloudy skies or unable to get outside in the early hours, the eclipse will also be livestreamed online, offering an alternative way to watch the event unfold in real time.
A Rare Window Before the Next One
Astronomers note that this deep a partial lunar eclipse hasn’t been visible anywhere in the world since September 2024, and the next one of similar depth won’t occur again until January 2028 — and even then, only a fraction of the Moon will be covered. That makes Friday’s event the most dramatic lunar eclipse the world will see until a total lunar eclipse arrives on New Year’s Eve 2028.
For skywatchers across Europe, it’s a rare chance to catch a genuinely striking celestial sight — provided the clouds cooperate.
