Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Night-owl beachgoers along Alabama's Gulf Coast can enjoy a special treat this week! A near-total lunar eclipse will take place Thursday night, and watching it over the Gulf makes it even better. You don't need any special glasses, so it's one of the easiest celestial events to relax and enjoy. Plus, with a clear view of the southern horizon along the shoreline, sky enthusiasts are all set for a stunning sight.

The eclipse occurs on Thursday night, Aug. 27, and extends into early Friday, Aug. 28. The penumbral phase begins at 8:23 p.m. CDT, and the partial phase — when the moon enters Earth's darkest shadow — begins at 9:33 p.m. Peak darkness occurs at 11:12 p.m. CDT, when about 93% of the moon's face is covered by Earth's umbra. The partial phase ends at 12:51 a.m. Friday, and the penumbral phase ends at 2:01 a.m.

August's full moon is traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon, a name rooted in Indigenous and colonial-era traditions tied to seasonal fishing patterns. This year, it coincides with one of the deepest partial eclipses in recent memory, with 96.2% of the moon's surface darkened at maximum, according to TimeandDate.com.

During a partial lunar eclipse, sunlight bends through Earth's atmosphere and illuminates the moon's shadowed portion. This effect can turn the moon's surface a rusty red, orange, or copper color — sometimes called a "blood moon" appearance, even when the eclipse is not total.

The beach offers one of the better viewing spots in the area. Away from heavy tree cover and buildings, the southern Gulf horizon provides a wide, unobstructed view. The moon rises in the east and climbs well above the horizon before the peak around 11 p.m.

Binoculars or a small telescope will enhance the view, but neither is required. Unlike a solar eclipse, looking directly at a lunar eclipse poses no eye risk.

Cloud cover is the main concern. Checking a local forecast closer to Aug. 27 is advised.

This eclipse follows the total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026, which was not visible from Alabama. Solar and lunar eclipses typically occur in pairs during the same eclipse season, so Gulf Coast residents who missed the solar event have another chance to witness something worth remembering.