Partial Lunar Eclipse of Full Moon on Oct. 28: Timing Revealed

Don't miss the partial lunar eclipse of the Full Hunter's Moon this weekend! Watch it live or check out our photography guides.

The Full Hunter's Moon of October is set to dazzle stargazers this weekend as a partial lunar eclipse takes place. This celestial event will be visible from various parts of the world, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and parts of Western Australia. Unfortunately, those in the eastern tip of South America will only catch a small glimpse of the eclipse at moonrise.

The partial lunar eclipse is scheduled to begin at 2:01 p.m. EDT (1801 GMT) on October 28th. The most captivating moments of the eclipse will occur around 3:35 p.m. EDT (1935 GMT) as the moon enters the umbra, the darker part of Earth's shadow. The eclipse will reach its peak at approximately 4:14 p.m. EDT (2014 GMT) and will conclude around 6:26 p.m. EDT (2226 GMT) as the moon emerges from the penumbra, the lighter part of Earth's shadow.

For those who are unable to witness the eclipse firsthand, fear not! There are free livestreams available for you to experience this mesmerizing event. Additionally, you can watch the eclipse live on Space.com.

Partial lunar eclipses occur when the sun, Earth, and moon align, although not perfectly. This means that only a portion of Earth's shadow will cover the moon. These eclipses exclusively take place during full moons when the moon and the sun are on opposite sides of Earth, allowing our planet's shadow to fall upon the lunar surface.

However, not every full moon results in an eclipse. This is due to the moon's inclined orbital plane, which is tilted by approximately 5 degrees relative to Earth's plane. As a result, Earth's shadow is usually positioned above or below the moon during most full moons. If the moon's orbit aligned perfectly with Earth, we would witness an eclipse during each full moon.

If you're eager to observe the moon up close during the partial eclipse or at any other time, our comprehensive guides to the best telescopes and binoculars are excellent resources to start your stargazing journey.

For those interested in capturing stunning photos of lunar eclipses, full moons, or the night sky in general, our guide on how to photograph the moon or a lunar eclipse, along with recommendations for the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography, will prove invaluable.

So, mark your calendars and prepare to be captivated by the celestial spectacle of the Full Hunter's Moon partial lunar eclipse. Whether you're fortunate enough to witness it in person or enjoy it through livestreams, this astronomical event is sure to leave you in awe of the wonders of our universe.