Total lunar eclipse
Total Lunar Eclipse of 26 June 2029
The whole Moon passes into Earth’s dark umbral shadow and turns copper-red for 1h 42m. Umbral magnitude 1.844.
- Greatest eclipse
- 03:22 UT
- Umbral magnitude
- 1.844
- Partial phase
- 3h 40m
- Totality
- 1h 42m
- Saros
- 130
- Visible from
- Americas, Europe, Africa, Mid East
Where the Moon is up
Can I see it from here?
| Phase | UT | Your time | Moon altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial eclipse begins (U1) | 01:32 | — | — |
| Totality begins (U2) | 02:31 | — | — |
| Greatest eclipse | 03:22 | — | — |
| Totality ends (U3) | 04:13 | — | — |
| Partial eclipse ends (U4) | 05:12 | — | — |
Umbral contact times are derived from NASA’s time of greatest eclipse and phase durations (partial 3h 40m, total 1h 42m); they are accurate to about a minute. Moon altitude assumes the Moon sits opposite the Sun, which is true to within about a degree during an eclipse.
How to watch
- No special equipment or glasses needed: a lunar eclipse is safe to look at.
- Binoculars show the colour gradient across the shadow edge beautifully.
- For photos, start with the Moon’s full-moon exposure and lengthen it as the shadow advances. The totally eclipsed Moon can be 10,000 times fainter. The photography page has settings.
- Leave the city lights if you can: the dimmer the sky, the richer the red.
Questions
What time is the lunar eclipse on 26 June 2029?
Greatest eclipse is at 03:22 UT. The partial (umbral) phase lasts 3h 40m, including 1h 42m of totality. Use the table on this page for your local time.
Where is it visible?
From anywhere the Moon is above the horizon at the time: NASA lists Americas, Europe, Africa, Mid East. At greatest eclipse the Moon is overhead near 23°S, 50°W.
Is it safe to look at?
Yes. Lunar eclipses are completely safe to watch with your eyes, binoculars or a telescope. No filter is needed.
Why does the Moon turn red?
Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere is scattered: blue light is removed and red light is bent into the shadow. The Moon is lit by the red glow of every sunrise and sunset on Earth at once.
Source: NASA/GSFC Lunar Eclipses 2021–2030 (F. Espenak). Times converted from TD to UT with ΔT ≈ 72 s.