Skywatchers in the Bay Area have to look close to see the partial lunar eclipse on Tuesday.
The California coast is at the edge of the viewing area, and the moon will just rise as the eclipse begins.
The eastern part of the continent will get a slightly better look as part of the full moon – this month’s is known as the harvest moon – is obscured by shadow.
In the Bay Area, the moon will rise around 7:15 p.m., just as the sun sets. For many viewers, it will take a few more minutes for the moon to clear the eastern hills.
The eclipse begins around 7:13 PM and peaks at 7:44 AM. It will appear as a darkening in the upper left edge of the moon. At that point, the Bay Area will still be in “nautical twilight” phase of twilight, not quite dark.
All of North America will be in a much better position to see a total lunar eclipse — a “blood moon” — on March 14, 2025.