On the night of 27 August into the morning of 28 August 2026, sky watchers were treated to the progression of a partial lunar eclipse visible from the British Virgin Islands. This special astronomical event began around 10:30pm, when the sun cast a shadow of the Earth on the surface of the moon. The shadow progressed until about 96% of the Moon was covered with the Earth’s shadow (about 12:10am) given an almost “blood moon” hue, even though this was not a full eclipse. This offered viewers a beautiful and memorable display of the moon.
Maximum lunar eclipse at 12:10am
A lunar eclipse occurs only during a full moon phase, when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in a straight line. September’s full moon is referred to as the Sturgeon Moon. For more information on lunar eclipses, see here.
This eclipse was particularly memorable for me as I had the opportunity to partner with the Astronomical Society at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College to provide a DGA SkyTour, which allowed astro enthusiasts to witness the eclipse through a high-powered telescope. The interest from the attendees was amazing, as we explored the progression of the Earth’s shadow on the Moon, viewed the rings of Saturn and its moon Titan, and observed the Milky Way Galactic Core (which was visible during maximum eclipse). Visit the Astronomical Society social media page here for some footage from the event.
Viewing the progression of a lunar eclipse never gets old, and it leaves an unforgettable impression. The featured photo is a capture when Earth’s shadow covered about 40% of the Moon. The color on the image is the result of editing using the mineral moon technique. If you follow my blogs, you would notice that this is a technique I use often because it gives a beautiful rendition of Earth’s lone satellite. For those that prefer the traditional black and white version, here you go 🙂.
Exploring the partial Sturgeon Moon eclipse is yet another reason to go outside, look up, and experience an amazing Universe!
Gear: Canon R6, Celestron Edge HD8 with 40mm eyepiece, iOptron HAE 18C
EXIF: 20 images; ISO 400; f/9; exp 1/60.
Software: AutoStakkert 4.0, Photoshop
It was indeed a great experience.
Nice! 👍 I did not stay up for the eclipse (I have seen a number of them), but I did go to a nearby Beach to watch the moon rise around 7:30 EST.
It was a wide Sand Beach and the Atlantic was Dead calm flat and smooth, so it was quite a nice and peaceful experience. However as soon as the Moon Rose above the horizon, it started playing tag with some passing storm clouds. I did get a couple of phone shots of the full moon reflected on the ocean though!
Those clouds popped up in the sky. But there was enough space to allow for great viewing 🙂. It’s good that you got out to see the moon rise though 🙏🏾
Nice! 👍 I did not stay up for the eclipse (I have seen a number of them), but I did go to a nearby Beach to watch the moon rise around 7:30 EST.
It was a wide Sand Beach and the Atlantic was Dead calm flat and smooth, so it was quite a nice and peaceful experience. However as soon as the Moon Rose above the horizon, it started playing tag with some passing storm clouds. I did get a couple of phone shots of the full moon reflected on the ocean though!