Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – Residents and visitors in Puerto Vallarta and around Banderas Bay will have a chance to witness a striking celestial event Thursday night, August 27, as the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow. Weather and cloud cover permitting, the partial lunar eclipse will be visible throughout the region.
The eclipse will begin at 7:23 pm Central Time, when the Moon enters Earth’s outer penumbral shadow. The partial phase will start at 8:33 pm, gradually darkening the Moon as more of its surface moves into Earth’s deeper umbral shadow.
The main event will arrive at 10:12 pm, when the eclipse reaches its maximum. At that moment, approximately 96.2% of the Moon’s surface will be covered by Earth’s umbral shadow, leaving only a small section directly illuminated by the Sun.
That contrast could make the eclipse especially striking. While most of the Moon may take on a dusky reddish-orange color, a narrow portion will remain noticeably brighter. The effect could resemble an almost complete Blood Moon, although the event will technically remain a partial lunar eclipse.
The Moon will then gradually emerge from Earth’s shadow. The partial phase will end at 11:51 pm, followed by the conclusion of the penumbral eclipse at 1:01 am Friday, August 28. In total, the entire event will last about five hours and 38 minutes.
From Puerto Vallarta, the Moon will be approximately 38 degrees above the horizon and positioned toward the east-southeast at the time of maximum eclipse. Because Puerto Vallarta and the communities around Banderas Bay share the same time zone, viewing times will be virtually identical across the region.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be viewed safely with the naked eye, without special equipment or eye protection. Its slow progression also means there is plenty of time to watch the Moon change as it moves into and out of Earth’s shadow.
For the best view, astronomers recommend finding a location away from artificial light with a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. In Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay, however, the biggest factor will likely be the weather. Checking the forecast and cloud cover before heading outside could make the difference between catching the spectacle and seeing nothing but clouds.
For skywatchers, Thursday night’s event is worth marking on the calendar. It is expected to be the best opportunity to see a lunar eclipse from the region until New Year’s Eve 2028.
For over 25 years, Banderas News has been the pulse of Puerto Vallarta, bringing you stories that matter most to residents and visitors alike. From breaking news to exciting events and cultural features, we’ve been dedicated to keeping you informed and connected – free of charge. Your contribution helps us maintain this commitment and continue serving our community.
