Lunar eclipse 2026: when and where to see Thursday’s near-total eclipse

A near-total lunar eclipse will be visible across the United States on Thursday night, with more than 96 percent of the moon expected to be hidden.

The event will also be visible across much of North and South America, as well as parts of Europe and Africa, weather permitting.

A lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves between the sun and moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface.

At the peak of Thursday's eclipse, about 96.2 percent of the moon will be covered.

The eclipse will begin at 9:23 PM ET, according to NBC News. Earth's shadow will start visibly covering the moon at 10:33 PM ET before the eclipse reaches its peak at 12:12 AM ET on Friday.

The event will end at around 3:01 AM ET.

Viewers may notice the moon taking on a reddish-orange appearance as Earth's atmosphere scatters sunlight.

This effect is why a total lunar eclipse is commonly known as a “blood moon.”

Most people across the continental US should be able to watch every stage of the eclipse.

Unlike a solar eclipse, no special protective glasses are required, and the lunar eclipse can safely be viewed with the naked eye.

The event comes two weeks after a total solar eclipse was visible across parts of Europe.