What Iowans Need to Know About the August 27 Partial Lunar Eclipse
Photo: Composite of lunar eclipse stages over the Iowa State Capitol, taken by Wil Abeling.
Perhaps you’ve seen headlines about a lunar eclipse coming later this month. This one is worth putting on your calendar.
On the night of Thursday, August 27, 2026, the full Moon will pass deep into Earth’s shadow. The entire eclipse will be visible from Iowa, and the best part happens before midnight.
This isn’t a total lunar eclipse, but it comes remarkably close. At maximum eclipse, roughly 93% of the Moon’s diameter, representing about 96% of its visible surface, will be inside the darkest part of Earth’s shadow. Most of the Moon could appear dark red, orange or copper, with only a narrow bright section remaining.
Even better, you won’t need eclipse glasses, a telescope or a trip to a special viewing location. If the sky is clear and you can see the Moon, you’ll be able to watch it from anywhere in Iowa.
When is the August lunar eclipse in Iowa?
The eclipse begins during the evening of Thursday, August 27, and continues into early Friday morning.
Here’s the approximate timeline for Iowa in Central Daylight Time:
- 8:23 p.m.: Penumbral eclipse begins
- 9:33 p.m.: Partial eclipse begins
- 11:12 p.m.: Maximum eclipse
- 12:52 a.m.: Partial eclipse ends
- 2:02 a.m.: Penumbral eclipse ends
The first stage begins around 8:23 p.m., but don’t expect to notice much immediately. During the penumbral phase, the Moon passes through the lighter outer portion of Earth’s shadow. The change is subtle.
The event becomes much easier to see around 9:33 p.m., when the Moon begins entering Earth’s darker central shadow. It may look as though a dark bite is slowly being taken out of one side of the Moon.
The best viewing should be between approximately 10:30 and 11:45 p.m., with maximum eclipse occurring around 11:12 p.m.
The exact times may vary by a minute or two depending on your location and the source used for the calculations.
Is this a Blood Moon?
Technically, no.
“Blood Moon” is a popular term most commonly used for a total lunar eclipse, when the entire Moon passes into Earth’s dark central shadow and can appear red or copper.
The August 27 eclipse is a partial lunar eclipse. A very small part of the Moon will remain outside the darkest shadow, so it will never become completely eclipsed.
However, this is an unusually deep partial eclipse. Most of the lunar surface will be covered at maximum, and the eclipsed portion could still take on red, orange or copper tones. Visually, it may look surprisingly close to a total lunar eclipse.
Why does the Moon turn red during an eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall across the Moon.
Some sunlight still travels through Earth’s atmosphere and reaches the lunar surface. Earth’s atmosphere filters out much of the blue light while allowing more red and orange light to continue through.
It’s similar to the reason sunsets often appear red or orange. During a lunar eclipse, that filtered light can give the Moon its copper-colored appearance.
The exact color is difficult to predict. Dust, clouds, smoke and other particles in Earth’s atmosphere can affect how bright or dark the eclipsed Moon appears.
What’s the best place in Iowa to view the eclipse?
For most people, the best viewing location will be their own front yard, backyard or another nearby place with a clear view of the sky.
You don’t need to drive to a designated dark-sky location. The full Moon is bright enough to see from cities and towns, even with surrounding light pollution.
Consider traveling to another location if:
- Trees or buildings block your view of the Moon.
- You want to attend a public viewing where telescopes may be available.
- You want to photograph the eclipsed Moon above an Iowa landmark, skyline or landscape.
Otherwise, there’s no need to travel. The eclipse happens at the same time across Iowa, with only very small differences in the local timing.
Do you need eclipse glasses?
No.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to view with your eyes. You don’t need eclipse glasses, filters or other protective equipment.
Binoculars can provide a closer view, and a telescope may reveal more detail, but neither is required. You should be able to watch the changing color and shadow with the naked eye.
Should I watch the entire eclipse?
You certainly can, but you don’t need to stand outside for nearly six hours.
The beginning and ending penumbral stages are subtle. For the most noticeable changes, concentrate on the partial phase between 9:33 p.m. and 12:52 a.m.
If you only want to step outside once, aim for approximately 11:10 p.m.
If you want to watch the eclipse change, try checking it at several different times:
- 9:45 p.m.: The dark shadow should be clearly visible.
- 10:30 p.m.: Most of the Moon should be eclipsed.
- 11:12 p.m.: Maximum eclipse.
- Midnight: The Moon should be emerging from the shadow.
Taking a quick photo with your phone at each viewing can help you compare how much the Moon changes throughout the night.
Tips for watching the eclipse with kids
This eclipse is much more family-friendly than many lunar eclipses because the most dramatic portion happens before midnight.
There’s no need to have children watch the entire event. Instead, make two or three short trips outside.
Start around 9:45 or 10 p.m. and ask them what looks different about the Moon. Return around 10:30 p.m., and then once more near 11:12 p.m.
Rather than explaining everything immediately, try asking:
- What changed since the last time we looked?
- Which part of the Moon is getting darker?
- What color does the Moon appear?
- What do you think will happen next?
The changes happen slowly, but checking the Moon several times makes the movement of Earth’s shadow easier to recognize.
Tips for photographing the lunar eclipse
A phone may capture the changing shape of the Moon, but photographing its color and surface details can be challenging.
For better results:
- Use a tripod.
- Use a telephoto lens if available.
- Turn off automatic flash.
- Use a timer or remote shutter release to prevent camera movement.
- Check the image preview regularly and adjust the exposure as the Moon becomes darker.
- Don’t rely entirely on automatic exposure.
The Moon will become significantly darker near maximum eclipse. Camera settings that work early in the evening may not work at 11:12 p.m., so expect to adjust the exposure throughout the event.
Final reminder
The deep partial lunar eclipse takes place on the night of Thursday, August 27, 2026.
For the best view, step outside between approximately 10:30 and 11:45 p.m. Maximum eclipse occurs around 11:12 p.m. Central Daylight Time.
No eclipse glasses are needed. Just find a place with a clear view of the Moon and hope Iowa’s weather cooperates.
Will you be watching from home, or do you have an Iowa location in mind for photographing it?
