Penumbral Lunar Eclipse - February 20, 2027
Feb 20, 2027
The next lunar eclipse is a penumbral lunar eclipse on Saturday, February 20, 2027.
The full Moon passes through Earth's faint outer shadow, dimming slightly for about 4 hours. This is a subtle event - the Moon looks a bit fainter, with no dark "bite." If you want a dramatic lunar eclipse, the next partial one is January 12, 2028, and the next total "blood moon" is December 31, 2028.
Eclipse details
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, February 20, 2027 |
| Type | Penumbral lunar eclipse (Saros series 143) |
| Greatest eclipse | 23:13 UTC |
| Umbral magnitude | -0.055 (the Moon misses Earth's dark umbral shadow) |
| Penumbral duration | About 4 hours 02 minutes |
| Visible from | Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia |
Source: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center eclipse catalog, Lunar Eclipses 2021-2030 (Fred Espenak). NASA: Eclipses During 2027
Where to watch
A lunar eclipse is visible from anywhere on the night side of Earth - no path, no special location. In the eastern US, the deepest shading falls around moonrise on Saturday evening; Europe, Africa, and Asia see it higher in the night sky. No eye protection is ever needed for a lunar eclipse.
Common questions
Will I actually notice a penumbral lunar eclipse?
Probably only if you look for it. The Moon dims gently and the shading is uneven - keen observers may notice one edge of the Moon looking slightly smudged around 23:13 UTC. There is no red color and no missing "bite"; those belong to partial and total lunar eclipses.
What time should I look in the US?
Greatest eclipse is 23:13 UTC, which is 6:13 PM Eastern and 3:13 PM Pacific. On the East Coast the Moon rises while the eclipse is underway; the western US is still in daylight at maximum and misses the best part.
Is it safe to look at?
Yes. Lunar eclipses are always safe to watch with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope.