The Institute of Geophysics and Astronomy of Cuba (IGA) announced that on the evening of Tuesday, September 17, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible across the entire nation. This celestial event will also be observable in Europe, Africa, and most of the Americas, except in its far western regions.
Timings for the Eclipse in Cuba
In Cuba, the eclipse will commence at 8:39 pm. The Moon will enter the Earth's umbra (the shadowed area) at 10:11 pm, reaching its peak around 10:44 pm. The phenomenon will conclude at 11:16 pm, with the penumbral phase ending at 12:49 am on Wednesday, September 18.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth positions itself between the Sun and the Moon, blocking sunlight and casting a shadow over the Moon. Partial lunar eclipses happen when only a segment of the Moon is obscured by this shadow, while the rest remains sunlit.
"All times are in Cuban Daylight Time," clarified the IGA on their Facebook page.
In November 2022, a total lunar eclipse was visible from Cuba and other parts of the world. For about an hour, the fully eclipsed Moon could be seen with the naked eye simply by looking towards the west.
While lunar eclipses are completely safe to observe, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recommends using binoculars for an enhanced viewing experience.
Key Details About the Upcoming Lunar Eclipse
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about the upcoming lunar eclipse, providing more insight into this fascinating astronomical event.
What time will the lunar eclipse start in Cuba?
The lunar eclipse will begin at 8:39 pm in Cuban Daylight Time.
What is the peak time of the lunar eclipse?
The peak of the lunar eclipse will occur at approximately 10:44 pm.
Is it safe to watch the lunar eclipse without any special equipment?
Yes, lunar eclipses are completely safe to view without any special equipment. However, NASA recommends using binoculars for a better experience.