The animation shows what the eclipse approximately looks like. Stages and times of the eclipse are outlined below.
Time
Phase
Event
Direction
Altitude
1:42 pm Thu, Dec 20
Not directly visible
Penumbral Eclipse beginsBelow horizon
33°
-41.9°
2:55 pm Thu, Dec 20
Not directly visible
Partial Eclipse beginsBelow horizon
47°
-31.2°
4:15 pm Thu, Dec 20
Not directly visible
Total Eclipse beginsBelow horizon
58°
-16.5°
4:42 pm Thu, Dec 20
Not directly visible
Maximum EclipseBelow horizon
61°
-11.2°
5:08 pm Thu, Dec 20
Not directly visible
Total Eclipse endsBelow horizon
63°
-5.8°
5:32 pm Thu, Dec 20
Rising
MoonriseRising
65°
-0.2°
5:35 pm Thu, Dec 20
Maximum in CaliforniaThis is the moment when the eclipse reaches its greatest magnitude while the entire Moon is above the horizon in California. The true maximum point of this eclipse cannot be seen in California because the Moon is below the horizon at that time. Since the Moon is near the horizon at this time, we recommend going to a high point or finding an unobstructed area with free sight to East-northeast for the best view of the eclipse.