The lunar eclipse will peak just after midnight Friday in Brevard County, with nearly 94% of the moon’s surface covered by Earth’s shadow. However, the National Weather Service forecasts partly cloudy conditions in Melbourne during peak viewing hours, along with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8 p.m. Thursday. The weather could obscure the event, which space.com reported will be one of the most impressive until late 2028.
The eclipse will begin with a penumbral phase at 9:23 p.m. on Aug. 27, followed by a partial eclipse starting at 10:33 p.m. The maximum coverage occurs at 12:12 a.m. on Aug. 28, with the partial eclipse ending at 1:51 a.m. and the penumbral phase concluding at 3:01 a.m.
Melbourne’s forecast shows a low of 76 degrees with south winds around 5 mph. Showers and thunderstorms are likely before 8 p.m., though partly cloudy skies are expected afterward. Rainfall amounts could reach up to a quarter of an inch, with higher totals in thunderstorms.
Viewers are advised to check real-time forecasts and seek locations away from artificial lights for the best chance of seeing the eclipse. While Florida residents won’t witness a total lunar eclipse, the near-total coverage of 94% will still offer a striking visual.
The eclipse is visible across Brevard County, but cloud cover remains the primary challenge for observers planning to watch the event.