Forecast predicts partly-cloudy skies for supermoon lunar eclipse

Sunday night will mark a rare occasion in space history: a super moon lunar eclipse.

During this lunar event, which will start around 9:07 p.m. on Sunday night, the moon will be at the point in its orbit where it is closest to the Earth — called the perigee. Because it’s so close, it will look 14% larger than normal, according to a video produced by NASA. At the same time, the Earth will be between the Sun and the moon, putting the moon into the Earth’s shadow. This causes the moon to adopt a reddish tint.

According to NASA, this special event has only happened five times since 1900. The last time it occurred was in 1982; it won’t happen again until 2033.

Tampa Bay forecaster for the National Weather Service, Richard Rude, said Sunday night will be partly cloudy in the area, with increasing cloud cover by midnight with scattered showers and thunderstorms.

“There’s a fairly good chance (to see the eclipse) but not perfect,” he said.

The eclipse event will last about one hour.

Sarasota County’s Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Department is hosting a watch party at the hill in Celery Fields, located at 6893 Palmer Blvd., Sarasota. County naturalist Ray Vinson will meet participants at the park’s parking lot at 8:30 p.m. to walk up to the top of the hill and wait for the event to begin. The eclipse will peak at 10:47 p.m. The department posts the event on its Facebook page and recommends participants bring a chair or a blanket, comfortable shoes and insect repellent.

Space for the free Sarasota County watch party is limited to 50 people; those interested are asked to call Debby Zeilman at 650-0696 or email at [email protected] to reserve a spot.