On the night of August 27-28, a significant partial lunar eclipse will be visible throughout the country. This event follows the total solar eclipse recently witnessed in Iceland, Spain, and a portion of Portugal. The upcoming lunar eclipse is expected to be a deep one, with a maximum coverage of 93 percent.
Lunar eclipses occur when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, known as its umbra. Before entering the umbra, the moon traverses Earth’s outer, fainter shadow called the penumbra, which is challenging to observe with the naked eye due to its dimness.
Most regions in Canada will have a clear view of the entire eclipse duration, while Western Canada will witness the partial eclipse already in progress as the moon rises.
Unlike solar eclipses, no protective eyewear is required to view a lunar eclipse, and the event unfolds over several hours rather than minutes. This lunar eclipse will be visible across North and South America.
The eclipse will commence as the moon enters Earth’s penumbra around 10 p.m. ET, with the visible phase starting at 10:33 p.m. ET on August 27 and concluding at 1:52 a.m. on August 28. The deepest part of the eclipse, where most of the moon appears darkened, is expected at 12:13 a.m.
This celestial event is part of a series of astronomical phenomena occurring this month. According to Elaina Hyde, director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University in Toronto, August has been filled with astronomical spectacles, including a partial solar eclipse and the Perseids meteor shower.
While this lunar eclipse is partial and won’t result in a fully red “blood moon,” the moon may still appear reddish in certain parts of Canada. No special equipment is needed to observe the eclipse, but binoculars, a small telescope, or a smartphone camera with a good night mode can enhance the viewing experience.
