Lunar Eclipse 3D Viewer

Play the next lunar eclipse from first penumbra to last: local times, Moon altitude, and a 3D disc with Earth’s shadow.

What this tool answers

The next lunar eclipse for your pin — P1–P4 contact times, Moon direction, horizon flags, and a 3D umbra/penumbra disc. Planning accuracy (astronomy-engine), not NASA Besselian or IAU bulletins.

Preview a lunar eclipse for your sky

Find contact times, Moon direction, and a 3D shadow view for your location.

  1. Set your location — Allow GPS or pick a preset (lat/lon) so altitude and horizon flags match your sky.
  2. Choose an eclipse — Open the next event or pick another upcoming date from the chips.
  3. Scrub P1–P4 contacts — Play or jump to P1, U1, U2, peak, U3, U4, and P4. Check which are above the horizon.
  4. Confirm weather — Open Tonight score and Stargazing weather with your lat/lon before you go outside.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a lunar eclipse tonight?

No. The next lunar eclipse is a penumbral on ~Feb 20 2027. Open this tool for P1-P4 contact times, Moon direction, and a 3D umbra view. Planning tool, not a NASA bulletin.

What is the difference between penumbral, partial, and total lunar eclipses?

Penumbral: the Moon only enters Earth’s outer shadow (subtle shading). Partial: part of the Moon enters the dark umbra. Total: the whole Moon is inside the umbra, often copper-red (“Blood Moon”). This tool labels kind and P1-P4 / U1-U4 contacts.

What does the copper 3D tint mean?

“Blood Moon” is a popular name for a copper-red total lunar eclipse. During umbra, sunlight filters through Earth’s atmosphere. The viewer’s copper tint is illustrative, not a predicted Danjon L from dust or volcanoes. Real color varies night to night.

How is this different from Moon tonight?

Moon tonight (/sky-events/moon-tonight/) answers phase and illumination for observing. This tool answers the next lunar eclipse: contact times, Moon direction, horizon flags, and a 3D umbra/penumbra disc. Mechanism and phases: Learn astro-104.

Can I photograph a lunar eclipse without a solar filter?

Yes. The Moon is safe to view and photograph with normal camera gear (tripod recommended). No solar filter is needed for lunar eclipses. For solar eclipses you must use ISO 12312-2 filters. See /tools/solar-eclipse-viewer/.

Can I see it from my location if the Moon is down at peak?

Yes. We keep the event and flag each contact as above or below your horizon. You may still catch P1 or P4 after moonrise even when greatest eclipse happens in daylight.

How accurate are the times and the 3D shadow?

astronomy-engine ELP/VSOP: Moon position typically about 1 arcminute, contact times about 1 minute. Fine for planning. Not NASA Besselian elements or IAU eclipse bulletins.

Does this include solar eclipses?

No. This page is lunar only. For local solar contact times, obscuration, and a Sun-disc simulation see /tools/solar-eclipse-viewer/. Never look at the Sun without ISO 12312-2 filters.

Continue with Moon tonight · Solar eclipse viewer · Tonight score · Moon phases (ASTRO-104)

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