Why This Week's Partial Lunar Eclipse Has Everyone Talking

A significant portion of the moon will be covered.

If a "planet parade," a solar eclipse and a meteor shower weren't enough, August has one more celestial treat in store for us -- a partial lunar eclipse beginning late Thursday, Aug. 27, and continuing into the early morning on Friday, Aug. 28. 

Often called a "blood moon" because of its reddish-copper hue, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the Sun and the moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the lunar surface and casting a shadow on our closest celestial neighbor.