South Africa is preparing for a night of celestial drama as a rare total lunar eclipse, better known as a Blood Moon, rises on Sunday, 7 September.
But whether you actually see it will come down to one thing: the weather.
Here’s what the forecast will look like in several regions around South Africa…
Will the Blood Moon be covered by clouds?
On Sunday, 7 September, a rare total lunar eclipse will turn the night sky into a stage of fiery red. This is not just another eclipse; it’s expected to be the longest total lunar eclipse since 2022, making it a prime night for skywatchers.
The eclipse will be visible across the entire country, if skies stay clear. A blanket of cloud or mist could completely block the view, leaving stargazers staring at grey skies instead of a glowing red moon.
Meteorologists note that early September often brings unsettled spring weather to parts of South Africa, meaning some regions may enjoy perfect viewing while others miss out.
Here’s what the main regions may expect on 7 September:
Johannesburg
- Evening skies start cloudy around 19:00 (about 22 °C), with gradually clearing conditions later.
- Peak eclipse (around 20:11) begins with cloud cover, which could obscure the view.
- If clouds persist into the night, the eclipse may remain partially hidden to fully visible depending on specifics.
Cape Town
- Cape Town could experience mostly clear skies through the evening, with some intermittent cloud cover around 19:00 to 20:00.
- Weather conditions may improve after 21:00, offering better visibility for the later stages of the eclipse.
- The outlook is quite favourable overall, although earlier partial phases might be slightly muted by passing clouds.
Durban
- Durbanites may have the best viewing opportunities, as clear skies are predicted throughout the evening and night.
- Outstanding viewing conditions are expected, with little to no cloud interference expected during the critical eclipse window.
Timing the eclipse
The total eclipse phase will last just over an hour, with peak redness around 20:11. Even if thin clouds pass through, the blood-red glow should still be visible at times. The earlier and later partial phases may be harder to see through haze.
For those who get clouded out by bad weather, astronomy groups and observatories are expected to stream the eclipse online, ensuring no one completely misses this rare moment.
Are you looking forward to the Blood Moon?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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