A partial lunar eclipse will appear across Spain in the early hours of August 28, though some regions will miss part of the event. Information from the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional (IGN), Earth’s shadow will cover nearly 93% of the Moon’s diameter at the peak, making this one of the most impressive partial eclipses in recent years.
The eclipse comes just over two weeks after the total solar eclipse of August 12, creating a natural pair of celestial events. During the solar eclipse, the Moon blocked the Sun from view. This time, Earth will cast its shadow onto the Moon during the full moon phase. Both eclipses result from the alignment of all three celestial bodies, viewed from opposite perspectives.
The penumbral phase will begin at 3:25 a.m. (peninsular time), followed by the partial phase at 4:34 a.m. The eclipse is expected to peak at 6:13 a.m., when the Moon will sit just 15 degrees above the horizon in Madrid. The partial phase will end at 7:51 a.m., but the Moon will set before then in many locations, including Madrid. The partial phase will last 3 hours and 17 minutes, though visibility will vary by location.
Some parts of Spain will not see the entire eclipse. In central and eastern Spain, and across the Balearic Islands and Melilla, the Moon will dip below the horizon before the partial phase ends. Much of western Spain will see the full progression, as will the Canary Islands and Ceuta. The IGN has published detailed timings for each provincial capital, reflecting these regional differences.
For the best view, look west-southwest as the Moon descends. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses require no special equipment or protective glasses. A clear western horizon is impressive, though, because buildings or natural obstacles such as trees and hills could block the most dramatic moments. Binoculars or a small telescope can improve the view, revealing Earth’s shadow as it advances and subtle color changes on the lunar surface.
During the eclipse, the Moon may take on reddish or coppery hues in shadowed areas as sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere. A total lunar eclipse produces the familiar “blood moon” effect; during this partial eclipse, those tones will appear only on the portion of the Moon within Earth’s shadow. The recent solar eclipse and this lunar event follow the same orbital dynamics.
This lunar eclipse is part of a sequence of astronomical events in Spain. It follows the total solar eclipse of August 12, the first of three solar eclipses expected between 2026 and 2028. To watch the lunar eclipse, observers need only get up early and find a clear view of the horizon. No travel or special filters are necessary.
Lunar eclipses occur when Earth passes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow visible from anywhere on the planet’s night side. Solar eclipses are visible only along a narrow path, while lunar eclipses can be seen across a much wider area. The next total lunar eclipse visible from Spain is not expected until 2029.
