Following the solar eclipse on August 12, Portugal will once again look to the sky to witness another astronomical phenomenon. In the early morning hours of August 28, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible to the naked eye throughout the country—and this time, no special equipment will be needed.
When does it happen?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow onto the Moon—in this case, only part of the Moon enters that shadow.
The phenomenon begins quietly at 2:23 a.m. (Mainland Portugal time), when the Moon enters the Earth’s penumbra. The most visible part of the eclipse begins at 3:33 a.m., when the Moon enters the umbra—the darkest part of Earth’s shadow. The peak occurs around 5:12 a.m., at which point about 96% of the lunar disk will be covered by Earth’s shadow, and the eclipse continues until after sunrise.
How to observe it without any equipment
Unlike what happened during the solar eclipse on August 12 (when many people had to scramble to find certified eclipse glasses), this time it’s safe to look directly at the Moon without any risk. For the best viewing experience, find a spot with minimal artificial lighting and a clear view of the horizon.
As the Earth’s shadow advances across the Moon, it gradually loses brightness and may take on reddish hues—a typical effect of this type of eclipse and nothing to worry about.
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