Residents of Melbourne, Florida, will have a chance to see a partial lunar eclipse on August 27-28, 2026, when Earth's shadow covers about 94% of the moon. The event will not be a total eclipse, but the Sturgeon Moon will turn red as it passes through the Earth's umbra. The eclipse will be visible from Florida, though east coast viewers may miss part of it due to the moon's low position on the horizon.
The eclipse will begin with a penumbral phase at 9:23 p.m. on August 27, when the moon enters Earth's outer shadow. A partial eclipse will start at 10:33 p.m., with the maximum coverage occurring at 12:12 a.m. on August 28. The partial phase ends at 1:51 a.m., and the penumbral eclipse concludes at 3:01 a.m. Local officials and astronomy groups have not issued specific viewing events, but residents are encouraged to check clear skies for the best visibility.
No special equipment is needed to watch the eclipse, which will be visible to the naked eye. However, optimal viewing conditions require darkness and minimal cloud cover. The eclipse coincides with the Sturgeon Moon, the last full moon of the year, and will be the first lunar eclipse visible from Florida since 2022. Timeanddate.com has provided detailed timings for the event, which will be visible across most of the eastern United States.
Local residents are advised to avoid city lights and find open areas for the best view. The eclipse will not be visible from parts of the east coast where the moon dips low near the horizon. The event is expected to be a popular viewing opportunity for amateur astronomers and casual observers alike, with no reported disruptions to local activities or events.