Star Party — Evening Program
Park Event · Mammoth Cave National Park · Aug 27, 2026 · 7:00 PM–8:00 PM
Come watch the Moon pass through Earth’s shadow during a deep partial lunar eclipse on Thursday, August 27. At maximum eclipse, approximately 96% of the Moon’s visible surface will be covered by Earth’s dark shadow which will look like a reddish or coppery color.
The evening begins at 7 p.m. in the Mammoth Cave National Park Amphitheater as rangers discuss lunar eclipses and why they occur. At 8 p.m., the group will move to the visitor center bus loop to watch as the Moon begins the partial eclipse at 9:33 p.m. While we wait for the Moon to take center stage, rangers and night sky volunteers from the WKU Hilltopper Astronomy Club and Dark Sky Kentucky will have telescopes on hand to share views of the Moon and other wonders of the night sky. Even though the ranger-led portion of the viewing ends at 11, everyone is welcome to remain at the bus loop and watch as the maximum eclipse occurs at 11:12 p.m.
We Recommend You Bring
- A chair or blanket
- Bug spray
- Water
- A flashlight with a red-light setting
- Binoculars, if you have them
No special eye protection is required to view a lunar eclipse. This is a free program that does not require reservations. The sky viewing depends on the weather. Even if skies are cloudy, the amphitheater program will occur, but night sky viewing may be canceled.
Source: National Park Service (public domain).
