On the night of August 27-28, 2026, Madeira's sky will host a rare astronomical spectacle. The August Full Moon, traditionally known as the "Sturgeon Moon," will coincide with a deep partial lunar eclipse, where approximately 96% of the lunar disk will be covered by Earth's shadow.
The exact moment of the full phase is predicted for 05:18 (local time, WEST), but the Moon will appear full for three consecutive nights. For observers in Funchal, the Moon will rise around 20:39 on August 28 and set at 07:39 the following morning, ensuring visibility for most of the night.
The eclipse begins its partial phase at 02:23, reaching maximum coverage at 05:12 with 96% of the Moon obscured. The partial phase will end at 07:07. The best viewing window is between 02:30 and 06:30, with a particular highlight between 04:00 and 06:00 when the Moon will be highest in the sky.
This 96% partial lunar eclipse is considered one of the deepest of the decade, with a phenomenon of this magnitude not recurring until 2029. The "Sturgeon Moon" will gain special significance, offering an impressive event visible without specialized equipment, requiring only a location with good visibility of the southern horizon and away from light pollution.
