Qatar to witness a lunar eclipse on Friday, 28 August 2026

Qatar is expected to witness a lunar eclipse on Friday, August 28, 2026, offering residents an opportunity to observe a notable astronomical event in the early morning sky.

The occurrence was confirmed by Sheikh Salman bin Jaber Al Thani, Chairman of the Qatar Centre for Space Sciences and Astronomy, according to Al Raya.

Eclipse to Begin Before Sunrise

The lunar eclipse is expected to take place around dawn on Friday.

According to Sheikh Salman, the visible stages of the eclipse will begin in Doha at approximately 4:23am.

The eclipse is expected to reach its peak at around 4:57am, before the Moon gradually fades from view shortly afterwards.

Residents hoping to observe the event will therefore need to be awake in the early hours of the morning and have a clear view of the western sky.

Peak Expected Around 4:57am

The main phase of the eclipse is expected to occur shortly before sunrise.

The timing means the viewing window will be relatively short, making the early morning hours the key period for residents interested in observing the celestial event.

Weather and visibility conditions could also influence how clearly the eclipse can be seen from different parts of Qatar.

Astronomer Warns Against Myths and Misinformation

Sheikh Salman also urged the public not to use the lunar eclipse as a basis for spreading myths, rumours or misinformation.

Astronomical events such as lunar eclipses are natural phenomena that can be explained through established scientific principles.

The public is encouraged to rely on information from recognised astronomical and scientific sources when learning about the event.

A Rare Opportunity for Skywatchers

The eclipse will provide astronomy enthusiasts and residents across Qatar with an opportunity to observe a natural event without the need for specialised equipment.

People interested in watching it can choose locations with an unobstructed view of the sky and limited light pollution to improve visibility.

The event is expected to attract the attention of astronomy enthusiasts across Qatar as the country looks towards the sky before sunrise on Friday.