Near-Total Lunar Eclipse to Be Visible Across Minnesota Tonight
Photo credit: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio
Published: August 26, 2026
MINNESOTA: Skywatchers across Minnesota will have a chance to see a deep partial lunar eclipse Thursday night, with nearly the entire moon expected to pass into Earth’s shadow.
The eclipse begins at approximately 8:23 p.m. Thursday, although the first stage may be difficult to notice. The more visible partial eclipse begins around 9:33 p.m., when Earth’s darker shadow begins moving across the moon.
The eclipse will reach its maximum at approximately 11:12 p.m. Central Time, when about 96% of the moon’s surface will be covered by Earth’s inner shadow. Much of the moon could take on a dark orange, copper or reddish appearance, leaving only a thin portion brightly illuminated.
For the Twin Cities area, the partial phase is expected to end around 12:51 a.m. Friday, with the final, more subtle stage of the eclipse ending around 2:01 a.m.
A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves between the sun and moon, causing Earth's shadow to fall across the lunar surface.
Unlike a solar eclipse, no special glasses or eye protection are needed to watch a lunar eclipse. Viewers can safely watch with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope.
Weather and cloud cover will ultimately determine how much of the eclipse Minnesotans will be able to see.