Egypt’s sky is set to witness a striking astronomical event before sunrise on Friday, August 28, 2026, as a deep partial lunar eclipse takes place.

The eclipse will bring most of the Moon’s disk close to full immersion in Earth’s shadow, potentially giving it a dark copper or reddish appearance, although the event will not reach totality.

August 28, 2026 Lunar Eclipse

The August 28 eclipse is expected to be one of the deepest partial lunar eclipses in the coming years, with approximately 96% of the Moon’s disk entering Earth’s darkest shadow at the peak of the event.

Because of the depth of the eclipse, the Moon may appear visually similar to a totally eclipsed Moon. However, a small portion of its disk will remain outside the deepest shadow, making the event a partial lunar eclipse.

Egypt Will See the Eclipse Before Sunrise

Parts of Egypt will be able to observe the eclipse during the early morning hours of Friday, although visibility will vary depending on the observer’s location.

In Cairo, the penumbral phase is expected to begin at around 4:23 a.m. local time, while the partial phase begins at approximately 5:33 a.m.

The deepest phase visible from Cairo will occur at around 6:28 a.m., shortly before the Moon sets below the horizon.

Best Places to Watch the Eclipse

The best viewing conditions will be available from an open location with an unobstructed view toward the west and southwest.

The global maximum of the eclipse will occur later, when the Moon is below the horizon from Cairo. As a result, observers in Egypt will not be able to see every stage of the eclipse or its global maximum.

Why Does the Moon Turn Red?

During the deepest phase of the eclipse, most of the Moon’s disk will be inside Earth’s shadow, potentially giving it a dark red or orange appearance.

This coloration occurs because some sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon.

Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths, such as blue light, more strongly, while longer wavelengths, particularly red and orange light, pass through more effectively and reach the lunar surface before being reflected back toward Earth.

This is why some lunar eclipses are popularly associated with the term “blood moon,” although the August 28 event will not be a total lunar eclipse.

How Can You Watch the Lunar Eclipse?

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be safely viewed with the naked eye and does not require special glasses or protective filters.

Binoculars or telescopes can also be used to enhance the view of the Moon’s surface, particularly during the partial phase.

What Is a Lunar Eclipse?

A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon to pass through Earth’s shadow.

During a partial lunar eclipse, the entire lunar disk does not enter the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, leaving part of the Moon illuminated directly by sunlight.

When Is the Next Total Lunar Eclipse?

The August 28, 2026 event is notable for its exceptional depth despite remaining a partial eclipse.

The next total lunar eclipse that will turn the Moon fully red during its peak is expected on December 31, 2028.

When will the lunar eclipse occur in Egypt?

It will occur before sunrise on Friday, August 28, 2026, with part of the event visible from Egypt.

When does the partial phase begin in Cairo?

The partial phase is expected to begin at approximately 5:33 a.m. Cairo time.

Is the August 28 eclipse total or partial?

It is a deep partial lunar eclipse, with about 96% of the Moon entering Earth’s shadow.

Can the eclipse be viewed with the naked eye?

Yes. A lunar eclipse can be safely viewed with the naked eye.