On the night of August 27-28, a significant partial lunar eclipse will be visible throughout Canada. This partial eclipse will cover 93% of the moon at its peak, following the recent total solar eclipse witnessed in Iceland, Spain, and a portion of Portugal.
Lunar eclipses occur when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, known as its umbra, after traversing the outer, fainter shadow called the penumbra. Most regions in Canada will witness the entire eclipse duration, while Western Canada will observe the partial eclipse as the moon rises.
Unlike solar eclipses, watching a lunar eclipse does not require protective eyewear. The event unfolds over several hours rather than minutes, making it a leisurely spectacle to witness. This eclipse will begin 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 eclipse moment is expected at 12:13 a.m.
This celestial event is just one of many astronomical occurrences in August, as highlighted by Elaina Hyde, director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University in Toronto. While this lunar eclipse won’t result in a “blood moon,” viewers in Canada can anticipate a reddish hue during the event, offering a captivating visual experience.
One of the advantages of lunar eclipses is their accessibility to observers – all you need is your eyes. However, those equipped with binoculars, a small telescope, or a smartphone with advanced night mode can capture impressive images of the celestial phenomenon.
