Lunar eclipse to occur late Sunday to early Monday

Taipei, Sept. 7 (CNA) Lunar eclipse conditions will occur in Taiwan from late Sunday night to early Monday, lasting five hours and 30 minutes in total, according to the Central Weather Administration (CWA).

The CWA said the eclipse's most impressive effects will be from 1:30 a.m. to 2:53 a.m. Monday, when the moon reaches totality and then begins to brighten.

The national weather agency said that during the eclipse, the moon will be visible in skies south to southwest.

It recommended people choose open areas with views of the horizon in that direction to get the best chance of seeing the celestial event.

CWA forecaster Chang Chun-yao (張竣堯) told CNA that a cloud system is moving northward and, combined with strong convection, has caused widespread afternoon rainfall and thick cloud cover across Taiwan.

He said cloud cover will remain dense in southern Taiwan including Taitung County, lowering the chances of viewing the eclipse in those areas.

Chang said that people in central and northern Taiwan, as well as Yilan and Hualien counties in eastern Taiwan, may have an opportunity to see the eclipse late at night if cloudy conditions clear up.