Mark your calendars because a total lunar eclipse will occur in the early hours of tomorrow morning — and there won’t be another like it for three years. Whether you’re heading to the polls first thing, or simply getting out of bed early for work or school, anyone awake will have a front row seat to the eye-catching sight!
If you’re keen to grasp the opportunity, here’s how you can catch the total lunar eclipse:
What is a total lunar eclipse?
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align so that the Moon moves into Earth’s shadow. During the eclipse, the moon will receive sunlight bent through the Earth’s atmosphere – and the color will change quickly during the eclipse window. Reddish sunlight will peak through, giving the moon a reddish hue.
When can I catch the lunar eclipse in Miami?
According to Time and Date, the moon will begin to turn red at 3:02 a.m. on Tuesday, November 8, in Miami. The maximum eclipse, where the moon is closest to the center of Earth’s shadow, will occur at 5:59 a.m.
The total eclipse will end at 6:38 a.m., but the moon will be setting and will be very low on the horizon.
How can I best observe the eclipse?
According to NASA, you don’t need any special equipment to observe it, although binoculars or a telescope will enhance the view and the red color. The best viewing conditions are, of course, a dark environment away from bright lights and the city.
If you’re not in the mood to wake up early or are unable to view the eclipse for any reason, you can visit NASA’s Dial-a-Moon for a visualization of the eclipse.
Although there will be plenty of partial eclipses in the coming years, the next full lunar eclipse isn’t expected to occur until March 14, 2025. You definitely don’t want to miss this!