Lunar Eclipse at PARI August 27 2026

Experience the August 27th partial lunar eclipse from PARI, tucked away in the mountains.  

With dark skies, quiet surroundings, and wide-open views, our cabins and campsites make the perfect overnight getaway for anyone who wants to watch the Moon slip into Earth’s shadow.

There’s no program or guided portion to this event.  Just you, the night sky, and a front‑row seat to one of nature’s celestial shows. Settle in, relax, and enjoy an unforgettable evening under the stars.

A lunar eclipse happens when the Moon passes into Earth’s shadow, causing its surface to dim. This event will be a partial eclipse, not a full one, meaning only part of the Moon will slip into the shadow, creating a gentle shading rather than a complete darkening and reddening like during a full eclipse.

Eclipse Timeline:

Check in window 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
You may check in to your cabin room or arrive to set up your camping spot between these times. Early arrivals may be possible if arrangements are made before your ticket is purchased. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated; you must arrive and check in before the end of the window. Upon check-in, you will receive a gate code that will allow you to leave and return if you want for a meal or do something else in the area.

Moon enters the penumbra ~ 9:23 pm
The eclipse beings with the Moon entering the penumbra, the faint outer shadow, but the dimming is extremely subtle. Most people won't yet notice any change yet.

Penumbral shading becomes noticeable ~ 10:12 pm
A soft, tea-stained dimming may appear and move across the Moon's face.

Moon enters the umbra (partial eclipse begins) ~ 10:33 pm
The dark inner shadow starts crossing the Moon. A small "bite" will appear in the Moon and slowly grow.

Maximum eclipse ~ 12:12 am
About 93–96% of the Moon is inside Earth’s umbra. It’s still technically partial, not total, but it will look very close to totality. A red or copper color may be noticeable.

Moon leaves the umbra ~ 1:52 am

Penumbral shading fades ~ 2:13 am

Moon leaves the penumbra ~ 3:02 am

Check Out - August 28^th, 12:00pm

Ticket Choices

Rent a Cabin Room

Stay overnight in one of our well-appointed private cabin rooms. Rooms include private bathrooms, individually controlled heating and cooling, microwave, mini-fridge, and Keurig pod compatible coffee maker.  Rooms sleep 4-6 people in a combination of queen beds and twin bunk beds.  These tickets are sold per room, you may bring as many people as the room is designated to accommodate, room sizes are listed as part of the ticket description.  Learn more about our cabins.

Camp 

Stay overnight in your own tent or vehicle in one of our designated camping areas.  These tickets are sold per person.  Each person must have their own individual camping ticket.  Learn more about camping at PARI.

How does this event work?

Events at PARI are rain or shine.  No refunds will be given or cancellations accepted due to weather conditions that prevent viewing the sky.  Please do not purchase this stay if you are not comfortable with this.

We recommend reviewing our Frequently Asked Questions and Policies before purchasing your tickets.  Please take special note that our campus is a dark sky site and outdoor lighting is extremely minimal to preserve the darkness for both viewing and research.

Viewing the sky takes place outdoors, please dress accordingly for the season and weather.  Some outdoor seating is available in various locations around campus, though you are encouraged to bring your own outdoor folding or camp chairs if you like so you can position them where you are comfortable.

Each transaction will include a single $6 registration fee.