If skies are clear, a deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible in Fresno and other Valley communities beginning at about 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

According to timeanddate.com, the partial eclipse will begin at 7:33 p.m. Thursday, reach its maximum at 9:12 p.m. and end at 10:51 p.m. The eclipse’s penumbral phase will continue until shortly after midnight.

At its peak, 93% of the moon’s disk will be within Earth’s umbra, or its darkest central shadow, according to NASA. Despite coming close to totality, the event is considered a partial lunar eclipse.

A lunar eclipse occurs during a full moon when the sun, Earth, and moon align, causing Earth’s shadow to fall across the moon.

During a partial lunar eclipse, only part of the moon passes through the umbra, Earth’s dark central shadow. The moon may take on a rusty red or coppery appearance during the event, which is why it is sometimes described as a blood moon.

How Can I Observe the Blood Red Moon?

To observe the lunar eclipse, all you need is a clear line of sight to the moon, and no special eye protection is required. Because the moon will be low on the horizon when the partial phase begins, viewers should seek an unobstructed view toward the east-southeast. An area away from bright lights may improve the experience, while binoculars or a telescope can provide a closer view.

Timeanddate estimates that about 3.34 billion people live in areas where at least some of the partial phase will be visible. The eclipse can be seen across much of North and South America and parts of Europe and Africa, although the timing of each phase will vary by location.

The next partial lunar eclipse visible from Fresno will be a penumbral eclipse Aug. 16-17, 2027. The next partial lunar eclipses visible from Fresno will occur Jan. 11 and Dec. 31, 2028. The next total lunar eclipse visible from Fresno will occur June 25, 2029.

You can view a livestream of Thursday night’s eclipse at this link.