A partial lunar eclipse will be visible across Cuba from Thursday night into the early hours of Friday, offering a substantial view of the lunar disk and several hours to appreciate this celestial event.
According to Granma, citing information from the Institute of Geophysics and Astronomy (IGA), the eclipse will be observable nationwide throughout all its phases.
The IGA has released the schedule, indicating that the Moon will start entering the Earth's penumbra at 9:22 p.m. on Thursday.
The peak of the eclipse is expected around 12:12 a.m. on Friday, with the Moon completely exiting the penumbra by approximately 3:03 a.m.
Key timings include:
- 9:22 p.m.: Moon enters penumbra.
- 12:12 a.m.: Eclipse reaches its maximum.
- 3:03 a.m.: Moon leaves the penumbra.
NASA's calculations closely align with these times, placing the start of the penumbral phase at around 9:24 p.m. and the maximum at roughly 12:13 a.m., Eastern Time, which currently matches Cuban time.
During the peak, nearly 93% of the Moon's diameter will be within the umbra, the darkest part of Earth's shadow. While it won't be a total eclipse, it will visually resemble one.
Additionally, EFE reported, based on information from the Cuban Institute of Meteorology (Insmet), that the Moon will remain in the deep shadow zone for three hours and 18 minutes.
The phenomenon will also be visible from various regions in the Americas, Europe, and Africa. NASA estimates that over 3.3 billion people will be able to witness some phase of the eclipse.
During a lunar eclipse, the Sun, Earth, and Moon align, casting Earth's shadow on the lunar surface. The eclipsed part can take on reddish or coppery hues due to sunlight filtered through Earth's atmosphere.
Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be viewed directly without the need for special glasses or filters. A clear sky and minimal light pollution can enhance the experience.
However, there is a discrepancy in the reported times. EFE, referencing Insmet, stated the maximum would occur at 11:13 p.m. Cuban time.
This timing does not match the data from the IGA reported by Granma or NASA's calculations, which place the peak around 12:12-12:13 a.m. on Friday.
The eclipse will also be visible from South Florida. Residents in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties can expect to see the event in its entirety, weather permitting.
This eclipse concludes a particularly active month for astronomy enthusiasts, following the total solar eclipse on August 12, which was partially visible from Cuba and other parts of the Caribbean.
Understanding the Upcoming Lunar Eclipse in Cuba
What time does the lunar eclipse start in Cuba?
The lunar eclipse will begin with the Moon entering the penumbra at 9:22 p.m. on Thursday.
When is the peak of the lunar eclipse expected?
The maximum phase of the eclipse is anticipated around 12:12 a.m. on Friday morning.
How long will the Moon be in the Earth's shadow?
The Moon will remain in the Earth's shadow for approximately three hours and 18 minutes.