Sturgeon Moon 2026: Aug 28 Time, Rakhi Muhurat & Lunar Eclipse
June 18, 2026
Get exact timings for the August 28, 2026 Sturgeon Moon in India, Raksha Bandhan shubh muhurat, and the unseen deep partial lunar eclipse.
August 2026 brings a spectacular celestial alignment, featuring the full Sturgeon Moon, the auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan, and a deep partial lunar eclipse all peaking around August 28.
This rare convergence means observers must carefully track the timings: While the Moon will be fully illuminated, the accompanying lunar eclipse will only be visible in specific global regions, directly impacting astrological observations and festive schedules in India.
Is the August 28, 2026 lunar eclipse visible in India?
No — the August 28, 2026 partial lunar eclipse is not visible from anywhere in India, so there is no Sutak Kaal and Raksha Bandhan rituals are unaffected. Because the eclipse occurs entirely during the Indian daytime, the Moon will be below the horizon. The exact eclipse phases in Indian Standard Time (IST) include:
- Penumbral Eclipse Begins – 6:53 AM IST
- Partial Eclipse Begins – 8:03 AM IST
- Greatest Eclipse – 9:42 AM IST (umbral magnitude of 0.9319, or 96.2% deep partial)
- Partial Eclipse Ends – 11:21 AM IST
- Penumbral Eclipse Ends – 12:31 PM IST
Because these celestial movements happen well after sunrise in India, local skywatchers will miss the Earth's shadow crossing the lunar surface, ensuring all festive traditions remain uninterrupted.
What time is the Sturgeon Moon in India (and when does it rise)?
The Sturgeon Moon reaches its exact full phase at 04:18 UTC, which translates to 9:48 AM IST on August 28. Because this peak happens during the day, the best viewing time in India is the night of August 27–28. Moonrise times for major Indian cities on August 27 include:
- New Delhi – 6:27 PM IST
- Mumbai – 6:45 PM IST
- Kolkata – 5:52 PM IST
- Chennai – 6:18 PM IST
- Bengaluru – 6:25 PM IST
Where in the world is the partial lunar eclipse visible?
The impressive deep partial lunar eclipse will be widely visible across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and western regions of Asia. Skywatchers in these locations will enjoy a spectacular view as 96.2% of the Moon slips into the Earth's dark umbral shadow during the peak.
For international skywatchers: The dramatic darkening of the lunar disk will be most prominent during the greatest eclipse phase, offering a near-total eclipse experience for those under clear night skies.
What is the Rakhi shubh muhurat on August 28, 2026?
The Shravana Purnima tithi stretches from 9:08 AM IST on August 27 until 9:48 AM IST on August 28. In New Delhi, the Rakhi shubh muhurat is from 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM IST on August 28, since the Bhadra period concludes safely before sunrise.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, there will be no Sutak Kaal on Raksha Bandhan in 2026. The partial lunar eclipse on August 28 is not visible in India, meaning astrological restrictions do not apply to the festival.
The August full moon is traditionally called the Sturgeon Moon by Native American tribes because large sturgeon fish were easily caught in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain during this late summer month.
The partial lunar eclipse on August 28, 2026, has an umbral magnitude of 0.9319, making it a very deep partial eclipse where 96.2% of the Moon enters the Earth's dark inner shadow.
The Shravana Purnima tithi begins at 9:08 AM IST on August 27, 2026, and concludes at 9:48 AM IST on August 28, 2026.