Look up! Partial lunar eclipse may make the moon look eerie reddish-orange Thursday night

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Updated: 3:02 PM CDT Aug 27, 2026

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Editorial Standards ⓘ

Nick Bender

First Alert Meteorologist

Thursday is the night of the lunar eclipse!

The moon will pass through Earth's shadow, covering 96% of the lunar surface and turning the moon a reddish-orange color.

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface.

It is a popular event for skywatchers because, unlike a solar eclipse, it can be enjoyed without special safety equipment.

Set your alarms for 11:13 p.m. CDT to catch the lunar eclipse at its peak.

Around 96% of the lunar surface will be covered by Earth's shadow, leaving only a slender, sunlit slice of the moon. The rest of the lunar surface may take on an eerie reddish-orange hue.

You'll find the moon about halfway up in the southeastern sky.