The geometry behind Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon enters Earth’s shadow near full moon. Most full moons miss that shadow because the Moon’s orbit is tilted relative to Earth’s orbital plane.
Eclipses · August 17, 2027
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse.
Your location decides the view. Check local visibility and timing.
Peak
YOUR PLACE. YOUR VIEW.
Your view of this event
Approximate area
Choose a place to see local times, directions and conditions.
A FEW MINUTES OUTSIDE
Find out if the view comes to you.
We can calculate your local visibility ahead of time. The weather outlook follows closer to the date.
Location & data
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When it happens
Greatest eclipse
Global reference time: August 17, 2027 at 07:13 UTC. Your local calendar date may differ.
The global eclipse time and catalog duration are not a timetable for your exact location. Consult local circumstances for your start, maximum and end.
What to expect
Visibility & observing notes
The Pacific and the Americas
Catalog regions: pacific, north_america, south_america. These are broad regions; check the source map for your exact location.
- Saros series
- 148
- Eclipse magnitude
- -0.525
Understand the moment
When the full Moon meets Earth’s shadow
Try it in the astronomy lab
Change the date. Follow the light.
Compare the Moon’s ordinary illumination on neighboring dates. Then use the eclipse source for the shadow path, contacts and visibility region.
Opens . Each scene is an exact daily sample, without interpolation; it is separate from the catalog peak of 07:13 UTC.
How to read the scene: Moonlight does not simulate eclipse shadows, red eclipse color or a solar eclipse viewed from Earth. The noon UTC sample is phase context, not a recreation of greatest eclipse.
More about observing eclipses
A little context. A better view.
Eclipses: a field guide
Your location makes the difference
A solar eclipse is visible only within its viewing region, and the central path is narrower still. Lunar eclipses require the Moon to be above your horizon. A regional description does not guarantee visibility at your exact location.
Greatest eclipse is a global time
The time in the catalog marks greatest eclipse. Your local start, maximum and end may differ. Follow the source maps and local circumstances before choosing an observing site.
Protect your eyes for solar viewing
Use a safe solar viewer that meets ISO 12312-2 for partial and annular phases. Ordinary sunglasses are not suitable. Never look through unfiltered binoculars, a camera or a telescope while wearing eclipse glasses; optics require appropriate front-mounted solar filters.
Clouds still matter
An eclipse can be geometrically visible and hidden by weather. Check the forecast close to the event and keep plans flexible. Lunar eclipses can be observed without special eye protection.
Learn more: NASA’s eclipse viewing safety guidance
More to look forward to
All eclipses ↗
Feb62027 · UTC
Annular Solar Eclipse
South America, Antarctica, and western and southern Africa; annularity crosses Chile, Argentina, and the Atlantic
Feb202027 · UTC
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
The Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia
Jul182027 · UTC
Penumbral Lunar Eclipse
Eastern Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific
Aug22027 · UTC
Total Solar Eclipse
Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and western and southern Asia
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