On the night of August 27-28, a significant partial lunar eclipse will be visible throughout the country. This event follows the recent total solar eclipse observed in Iceland, Spain, and a portion of Portugal. The upcoming eclipse will be a deep partial one, with 93% coverage at its peak.
Lunar eclipses occur when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. Before entering the umbra, the moon traverses through the penumbra, Earth’s outer, fainter shadow, which is challenging to see with the naked eye due to its dimness.
Most regions in Canada will witness the entire eclipse duration, while Western Canada will catch a glimpse of the partial eclipse as the moon rises. Unlike solar eclipses, no protective eyewear is required to view lunar eclipses, and these events unfold over hours rather than minutes.
The eclipse will commence as the moon enters Earth’s penumbra around 10 p.m. ET, but the visible phase will begin at 10:33 p.m. ET on August 27 and conclude at 1:52 a.m. on August 28. The deepest part of the eclipse is expected at 12:13 a.m. when the moon will appear significantly darkened.
This lunar eclipse is one of several astronomical events happening this month. Elaina Hyde, director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy in Toronto, expressed excitement about the diverse celestial occurrences in August, including the recent solar eclipse and the Perseids meteor shower.
Will the moon turn into a “blood moon” during this eclipse? Hyde mentioned that while it is a partial eclipse and may not turn entirely red, certain regions in Canada may witness a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses offer a spectacle that can be enjoyed with just the naked eye, though binoculars, a small telescope, or a smartphone with a good night mode can capture stunning images of the event.