GOOOOD EVENING ORANGE COUNTY!!!!! #OrangeCounty / #California Tonight’s the night, SoCal. A deep partial lunar eclipse (96% of the Moon in Earth’s shadow) is unfolding this evening, August 27 into early August 28. It’s one of the best “almost blood moon” views we’ll get until 2029. The Moon rises around 7:17–7:18 p.m. PDT in the east-southeast, already starting to enter the darker umbral shadow (or just as it does). Greatest eclipse hits at 9:12–9:13 p.m. PDT with only a thin sliver left bright. The obvious partial phase wraps up around 10:51–10:52 p.m., and the faint penumbral shading ends just after midnight. The first image shows the Moon’s path through the penumbra and umbra with UTC times; the second shows global visibility (we’re on the “Moon Rising” side of the map, which is why it comes up already eclipsed here). Quick viewing guide for Southern California • Look southeast. You need a clear view toward the horizon early on because the Moon is very low when the partial phase begins (~2–3° altitude). Trees, buildings, or hills will block it. • No glasses needed. Lunar eclipses are safe to watch with the naked eye. Binoculars or a small telescope make the copper-red color and details pop, but they’re optional. • Best window: 8:15–10:00 p.m. By then the Moon is higher (~21° at maximum) and the red hue is most noticeable. • Weather: Skies look partly to mostly cloudy across much of LA/OC tonight with a slight chance of showers. Gaps are possible, check your local view and have a backup indoor livestream ready. • Photo tip: Phone night mode or a camera on a tripod works well. The Moon will look dramatic rising over the landscape if you have an open eastern view.

BREAKING 🚨 #OrangeCounty / #California OCFA Dispatch has received a report from the crew of our Firehawk helicopter regarding a holiday aircraft. Meteorological analysis indicates an arrival in Orange County shortly after midnight on December 25.