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Skywatchers in Oklahoma saw a deep partial lunar eclipse overnight, with Earth’s shadow covering roughly 97% of the Moon at its peak — a dramatic sight for anyone who caught it. If you missed the show, there are several more eclipses on the calendar that could be visible from parts of North America over the next few years.
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Last night’s event was the second lunar eclipse of 2026, following a total eclipse earlier in March. This year has produced multiple notable eclipse events, and several more — ranging from subtle penumbral dimmings to full, blood‑red totals — will arrive over the coming seasons.
Upcoming lunar eclipses and where to watch them
Not all eclipses are equally easy to observe. Below are the next dates to note, listed with the eclipse type and what viewers in the United States can expect.
- Feb. 20, 2027 — Penumbral eclipse: The Moon will pass through the outer part of Earth’s shadow (the penumbra), producing only a faint shading that can be hard to detect without careful comparison, according to NASA.
- July 18, 2027 — Penumbral eclipse: This event will not be visible from the U.S.; visibility will be limited to other parts of the world.
- Aug. 17, 2027 — Penumbral eclipse: A second penumbral in 2027 that may be subtle for many observers.
- Jan. 11–12, 2028 — Partial eclipse: A small slice of the Moon—about 2.4%—will be obscured, per TimeandDate, so the effect will be modest for most viewers in North America.
- July 6, 2028 — Partial eclipse: This partial eclipse will not be visible from North America.
- Dec. 31, 2028 — Partial/Total visibility: A total lunar eclipse occurs, but only parts of it will be visible from the western and northwestern U.S.; portions of Alaska may see the full sequence from start to finish.
- June 25, 2029 — Total lunar eclipse: This is the next total eclipse that will be visible across most of the continental United States, offering wider viewing opportunities.
- Dec. 20–21, 2029 — Total lunar eclipse: Another total event, with the best views in North America likely along the East Coast for the partial phases visible there.
Dates and visibility windows are drawn from NASA and publicly available eclipse trackers such as TimeandDate; local timing and whether an event is visible depends on your time zone, horizon, and weather.
Why penumbral, partial and total eclipses look different
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth lies between the Sun and the Moon and casts a shadow on the lunar surface. That shadow has two parts: the umbra, where sunlight is fully blocked, and the penumbra, a fainter outer shadow.
When the Moon moves through the penumbra only, the change is often subtle — a gentle dimming rather than a dramatic dark bite. A partial eclipse happens when some of the Moon enters the umbra, producing a clear, curved notch. A total eclipse occurs when the entire Moon sits inside the umbra and can take on a reddish hue as sunlight is filtered and refracted through Earth’s atmosphere.
Practical tips for watching future eclipses
To make the most of the next opportunity, keep these simple viewing strategies in mind:
- Check local weather and cloud forecasts well in advance.
- Move away from streetlights and other sources of light pollution — darker skies reveal more subtle shading.
- Allow 20–30 minutes for your eyes to adapt to the dark; avoid looking at bright phone screens.
- Bring a reclining chair or blanket and dress for the forecasted temperature to stay comfortable during long viewing windows.
- If you plan to photograph the event, use a tripod, moderate telephoto lens, and practice exposure settings beforehand.
Even modest partial and penumbral eclipses can be rewarding with the right preparation. For the most dramatic, wide‑angle experiences — the total eclipses — consider checking precise local timings and travel options if the event is not fully visible from your area.
