For anyone who witnessed the historic total solar eclipse on August 12—and for astronomy enthusiasts in particular—the summer of 2026 will be remembered as one of the most special in recent years. This claim is based on a new astronomical phenomenon that is just a few days away: a partial lunar eclipse that will be visible from Madrid.
The Madrid Planetarium describes this event asa “new celestial gift.” It comes just two weeks after the last time people looked up at the sky in wonder—an event that brought together millions of people across the globe: it will take place this Friday, August 28.
The phenomenon will be visible from Spain and, logistically speaking, will offer a major advantage for any Madrid resident wishing to view it compared to the solar eclipse from fifteen days ago: it will be visible throughout the Community of Madrid. Not only that, but unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses pose no risk to eyesight, so protective glasses are not necessary to observe them.
However, it’s a good idea to take precautions, such as finding a completely clear western horizon or checking the weather forecast to ensure that your chosen viewing spot will allow you to enjoy the eclipse.
What time will the lunar eclipse be visible in Madrid?
According to the National Geographic Institute (IGN), the partial lunar eclipse in Madrid will begin at 4:34 a.m. and reach its peak at 6:12 a.m., obscuring 93% of the Moon’s disk.
The phenomenon will end at 7:52 a.m., but“in central and eastern Spain and the Balearic Islands, the Moon will set before this [partial] phase ends,” according to the IGN. In Madrid, it will set at 7:57 a.m., disappearing just five minutes before the eclipse concludes.
On the organization’s website, you can view an interactive map organized by provincial capitals, showing the hour-by-hour progression of the lunar eclipse in each location.
Why do lunar eclipses occur?
Lunar eclipses occur when the Earth blocks the Sun’s light from reaching the Moon, casting a shadow that darkens it. During a total eclipse, the Moon“takes on a characteristic reddish color due to the scattering of light refracted by the Earth’s atmosphere,” according to the IGN.
Next year, another lunar eclipse will occur: it will take place on February 20, 2027, and will be one of the so-called“penumbral eclipses,”in which only a slight darkening of the Moon’s surface is visible.