Miami is set to witness one of the year's most captivating celestial events on Thursday night. A nearly total lunar eclipse will be observable from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The spectacle is scheduled to begin at 9:23 p.m., reaching its peak shortly after midnight, according to Telemundo 51.
In Miami, the Earth's shadow will obscure almost the entire moon's diameter, achieving a magnitude of 0.93. This means the event will closely resemble a total eclipse, though technically it falls short of that classification.
The moon will plunge deeply into the umbra—the darkest part of the Earth's shadow—leaving only a small portion directly lit by the Sun. This near-complete immersion is what could cause the moon's surface to take on reddish, coppery, or orange hues around the peak of the eclipse.
Key Timings for South Florida
The event will unfold in distinct phases throughout the night:
9:23 p.m. — The penumbral phase begins. The moon enters the Earth's faint shadow; the change will be nearly invisible to the naked eye.
10:33 p.m. — The partial phase starts. The umbra starts to cover the lunar disk visibly, making the event noticeable.
12:12 a.m. (early Friday, 28th) — Eclipse maximum. The moon will be about 51 degrees high in the southern-southeastern sky, a prime position for viewing from the metro area.
1:51 a.m. — Partial phase ends.
3:01 a.m. — Conclusion of the penumbral eclipse.
Altogether, the phenomenon will last approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes, with a stunning partial phase of around 3 hours and 18 minutes.
Best Viewing Practices
At the start of the eclipse, look to the east-southeast. As the night progresses, the moon will rise and shift southward, placing it in an ideal position for observers in the metropolitan area to enjoy.
While it's not necessary to find a completely unobstructed horizon to enjoy the main part of the event, seeking a spot away from bright lights can enhance your experience.
Fortunately, the entire eclipse will be visible from start to finish in South Florida, provided the weather cooperates.
Weather Uncertainty
The weather forecast introduces some uncertainty, with models indicating around a 50% chance of rain or storms in rural Miami-Dade on Thursday, along with partly cloudy conditions at night.
However, the extended duration of the event plays in favor of sky-watchers: even if clouds temporarily obscure the moon, clear skies may prevail between 11:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m., right around the peak.
Why the Moon Turns Red
The reddish tint the eclipsed part of the moon may acquire has a precise scientific explanation. Some sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere before reaching the lunar surface. This atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths and permits red and orange light to pass through, casting a glow on the moon.
The end result, as described by sources, is "as if all the sunsets on Earth were projected onto the moon's surface at that moment."
This eclipse concludes an exceptionally active August for astronomical events: the total solar eclipse on August 12 was partially visible from Cuba and the Caribbean, and Thursday's event completes the month's so-called "eclipse portal." The timings for Havana are nearly identical to those for Miami, as both cities share the same time zone.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lunar Eclipse in Miami
What time does the lunar eclipse start and peak in Miami?
The lunar eclipse begins at 9:23 p.m. and reaches its peak shortly after midnight at 12:12 a.m.
Will the entire eclipse be visible in South Florida?
Yes, the entire eclipse will be visible from start to finish in South Florida, weather permitting.
Why does the moon turn red during a lunar eclipse?
The reddish color occurs because sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, which scatters blue light and allows red and orange wavelengths to illuminate the moon.