Lunar Eclipse to Be Visible Across Cuba Tonight

A partial lunar eclipse will be visible across Cuba tonight, September 17, as reported by the Institute of Geophysics and Astronomy (IGA). The astronomical event will commence at 8:39:30 PM local time. The Moon will begin to enter the Earth's shadow, or umbra, at 10:11:48 PM, with the eclipse reaching its peak at 10:44:20 PM.

The partial eclipse will end at 11:16:42 PM, and the penumbral phase will conclude at 12:49:12 AM on September 18. This celestial event will be visible in Europe, Africa, and much of the Americas, excluding its westernmost regions.

Although lunar eclipses are less common than monthly full moons, their occurrence is dictated by the inclination of the lunar orbit, which only allows the Moon to pass through the Earth's shadow at specific times. Lunar eclipses always occur during the full Moon phase when the Earth is positioned between the Moon and the Sun. During these events, the Earth's shadow projects onto the Moon's surface, dimming its brightness and causing unusual changes in its appearance, according to NASA.

In a total lunar eclipse, the Moon moves into the inner part of the umbra, which can give it a deep red hue for a few hours. No special preparations are needed to observe this phenomenon. Simply move away from artificial lights and find a spot with a clear view of the sky to enjoy this beautiful astronomical event.

In November 2022, a total lunar eclipse was visible from Cuba and other parts of the world. For about an hour, the fully eclipsed satellite could be seen with the naked eye by looking westward.