Overview
- The event begins late on Thursday, Aug. 27, with the penumbral phase about 01:23 UTC (9:23 p.m. EDT) and reaches maximum near 04:12 UTC (12:12 a.m. EDT) on Aug. 28, with local start and end times varying by location.
- NASA gives the eclipse an umbral magnitude of about 0.9299, which means roughly 93% of the Moon's diameter will enter Earth's darkest shadow but a thin sliver will remain sunlit so the event is officially a partial eclipse.
- The umbral (partial) phase will last about 3 hours 18 minutes and the full passage through the penumbra about 5 hours 38 minutes according to official calculations.
- The Americas have the best view for the entire event while parts of Europe and Africa will see it before sunrise; India and much of Asia cannot see the eclipse from the ground.
- The shadowed portion may take on a reddish or coppery hue as sunlight refracted through Earth's atmosphere reaches the Moon, the event is safe to watch with the naked eye, and broadcasters and astronomy sites plan live streams and observing guides for the night.