The second lunar eclipse of 2026 will occur on August 28, but it will not be visible from India, including Odisha.
Astronomers explain that a lunar eclipse happens when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. This phenomenon can only occur on a full moon night.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, the eclipse will begin at 6:53 AM IST when the Moon enters Earth’s penumbra. The partial phase will start at 8:04 AM IST, reaching its maximum at 9:43 AM IST with nearly 96% coverage. The partial eclipse will end at 11:22 AM IST, while the penumbral phase will continue until 12:32 PM IST.
The event will be visible across Europe, western Asia, Africa, North and South America, the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and Antarctica.
Earlier this year, on March 3, 2026, a total lunar eclipse was partially visible in India. The next penumbral lunar eclipse will occur on February 20, 2027, while the next total lunar eclipse visible in Odisha will be on December 31, 2028, when a striking “blood moon” will appear.
Noted science communicator Dr Shubhendu Pattnayak urged people to enjoy such celestial events as natural wonders and to dispel superstitions surrounding eclipses.
