Manila: Skywatchers across parts of the Americas, Europe, and Africa are preparing for a deep partial lunar eclipse Thursday night into early Friday, when Earth's shadow will cover about 96 percent of the Moon's surface.

According to Philippines News Agency, the eclipse will occur from August 27 to 28, depending on the time zone, with the greatest eclipse expected at about 0412 GMT on August 28, as noted by NASA. The event will be fully visible from much of the Americas, while observers in parts of Europe and Africa will see portions of the eclipse as the Moon rises or sets.

Unlike a total lunar eclipse, a small portion of the Moon will remain outside Earth's darkest shadow. The eclipsed portion can take on a reddish or copper-colored appearance as sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere and is scattered and refracted, producing an effect sometimes associated with a 'blood moon.'

The eclipse will last more than five hours from the beginning of the penumbral phase to its end, although the deep partial phase will be considerably shorter. At maximum, about 93 percent of the Moon's diameter will be within Earth's umbra, as detailed by NASA and astronomical sources.

The event comes just over two weeks after a total solar eclipse on August 12 that was visible across parts of Greenland, Iceland, and Spain. Solar and lunar eclipses commonly occur in pairs due to the alignment of the Sun, Earth, and Moon.

Unlike a solar eclipse, no special eye protection is required to view a lunar eclipse. Binoculars or a telescope can provide a closer view, while clear skies and an unobstructed horizon will offer the best viewing conditions.