Partial Lunar Eclipse, ‘Blood Moon’ Phenomenon, Visible in Bay Area Thursday
A partial lunar eclipse, creating a "blood moon" phenomenon, will be visible in the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose area on Thursday. The eclipse will be underway as the moon rises and will reach its peak at 9:13 p.m. While some areas…
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, August 26, 2026 —
Residents in the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose area will have the opportunity to witness a partial lunar eclipse on Thursday, a celestial event that will feature the striking “blood moon” phenomenon.
The eclipse is expected to be in progress as the moon ascends in the sky. The peak of the event is scheduled for 9:13 p.m. A partial lunar eclipse occurs when Earth’s shadow partially obscures the moon.
Viewing conditions may vary across the region due to potential cloud cover. However, areas such as Livermore, Concord, San Mateo, and San Jose are anticipated to offer clearer skies and thus, better vantage points for observing the eclipse.
For those interested in a communal viewing experience, the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland is set to host a watch party. This event will provide a dedicated space for the public to gather and observe the astronomical spectacle.
The “blood moon” appearance is a result of sunlight scattering through Earth’s atmosphere and reflecting onto the lunar surface. While the exact intensity of the color can vary with atmospheric conditions, it is a characteristic feature of lunar eclipses.
Story summarized from the original created by Karinaioffee on ww2.kqed.org, see more information here.
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