Unlike most of mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands will enjoy the complete lunar eclipse, from its beginning to its end, before the Moon sets below the horizon. The National Geographic Institute (IGN) specifies that the partial phase will reach a magnitude of 0.93, meaning the Earth's shadow will cover almost the entire lunar disk, approaching a total eclipse.
This astronomical phenomenon occurs when the Earth aligns perfectly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow onto the lunar surface. Observation requires no special instruments or eye protection, being safe to view with the naked eye.
The partial phase will conclude at 06:52 AM, with the Moon still above the Canarian horizon.
Key observation times for the Canary Islands begin in the early morning of August 28th. The Moon will enter Earth's penumbra at 02:23 AM (Canary time), although this initial change will be subtle. The partial phase, where Earth's shadow will be visibly noticeable on the lunar disk, will start at 03:33 AM. The eclipse's peak, with the greatest darkening, will occur at 05:12 AM. The partial phase will end at 06:52 AM, with the satellite still visible in the Canarian sky, and the subsequent penumbral phase will finish at 09:01 AM, after the Moon has set.
The geographical location of the islands is crucial for enjoying the complete spectacle. While in central and eastern mainland Spain, the Balearic Islands, and Melilla the Moon will set before the partial phase concludes, in the Canary Islands, Ceuta, and western mainland Spain, the alignment will fully finish with the satellite still visible.
Globally, the partial phase will be visible at different times across Europe, Africa, the Americas, and western Asia. The IGN provides detailed information by provincial capitals on its website to consult the exact start, maximum, and end times of the phenomenon in each part of Spain.
