Look Up, Upstate New York: A Stunning Lunar Eclipse This Week

Make plans to stay up a little later Thursday night because the Moon is putting on an impressive show over Upstate New York.

A deep partial lunar eclipse will happen overnight from August 27th into August 28th. During the peak of the eclipse, more than ninety-six percent of the Moon will slide into Earth’s darkest shadow. It will come extremely close to being a total lunar eclipse, with only a small sliver of the Moon remaining bright.

When Will The Eclipse Start?

The eclipse begins around 9:24 p.m. Thursday, but the first stage may not be easy to spot. The Moon will be moving through the lighter outer part of Earth’s shadow, creating only a faint dimming.

The noticeable part begins around 10:34 p.m. That is when a dark shadow will slowly start covering the Moon.

When Is The Best Time To See It?

For the most dramatic view, head outside around midnight. The eclipse will peak at approximately 12:13 a.m. Friday. Most of the Moon will be dark, and the covered portion could appear red, orange, or copper. That color happens when sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon.

The shadow will then slowly move away. The partial eclipse ends around 1:52 a.m., and the entire event wraps up shortly after 3 a.m.

Do We Need To Protect Our Eyes?

Upstate New Yorkers will not need any special equipment to enjoy it. Eclipse glasses are not necessary for a lunar eclipse. Just find a dark area with an open view of the sky. Binoculars may enhance the experience, but your own eyes will work just fine.

Let's hope we have a clear night.