A spectacular near‑total lunar eclipse covering 96% of the Moon will grace the night sky Thursday‑Friday over New England, weather permitting. Learn the exact timings, safety tips, and the astronomical context here.

  • The eclipse will cover about 96% of the Moon’s disc.
  • Clear skies over New England will allow a naked‑eye view.
  • No special eyewear or equipment is required to watch.

According to Boston local time, the penumbral phase begins at 9:23 p.m. on Thursday, the partial (umbral) phase starts at 10:33 p.m., and the maximum coverage of 96% occurs at 12:12 a.m. Friday, delivering a vivid “blood‑moon” hue visible across most of North and South America, Western Europe and West Africa.

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to observe directly; there is no need for protective glasses or filters. The only requirement is a clear sky.

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Although not a total eclipse, the 96% shadow makes this event uniquely dramatic. Only a thin sliver of the Moon will remain bright, while the rest glows reddish‑copper, reminiscent of a freshly minted penny.

This eclipse belongs to Saros 138, a series that repeats every 18 years 11 days. The series began in 1521 and will conclude in 2982. Every eclipse in this line since 1918 has been partial, and the next total eclipse in the series will not occur until 2044.

Weather forecasts show partly to mostly cloudy skies across New England Thursday night, with scattered showers possible in western regions. Clear conditions would provide an excellent opportunity for photographers and sky‑watchers alike.

The night also coincides with the official full moon known as the “Sturgeon Moon,” named for the time when sturgeon fish are most active. This is the fourth lunar eclipse in an “almost tetrad” – three total eclipses followed by this deep partial event.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that a high‑visibility lunar eclipse can boost regional tourism, spark public interest in astronomy, and provide a natural laboratory for educators to illustrate orbital mechanics.

“Lunar events like a blood moon captivate the public imagination and serve as powerful tools for science outreach,” says astronomer Dr. Emily Carter.
Did You Know?: This is the deepest partial eclipse of the Saros 138 series, with 96.2% of the Moon immersed in Earth’s umbra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need special glasses to watch the lunar eclipse? No, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye; no filters or goggles are required.

Will the eclipse be visible from India? No, this event will be visible primarily over the Americas, western Europe and western Africa; observers in India will not see it.