On the night of August 27-28, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible throughout the country. This eclipse follows the total solar eclipse observed in Iceland, Spain, and a portion of Portugal about two weeks ago. The upcoming partial eclipse will be quite deep, with 93% coverage at its peak.
Lunar eclipses occur when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, known as its umbra. Before entering the umbra, the moon traverses through Earth’s outer shadow, the penumbra, which is harder to see due to its dimness. Most regions in Canada will witness the entire eclipse, with Western Canada catching the partial eclipse as the moon rises.
Unlike solar eclipses, no protective eyewear is required to view lunar eclipses. These events unfold over hours rather than minutes, offering a longer viewing experience. 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 and concluding at 1:52 a.m. ET on August 28. The deepest part of the eclipse, where most of the moon appears darkened, will occur at 12:13 a.m. ET.
According to Elaina Hyde, director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University, this lunar eclipse is part of the many astronomical events happening this month. While it may not result in a complete “blood moon,” certain areas in Canada may witness a reddish hue during the eclipse. Lunar eclipses can be enjoyed with the naked eye, but having binoculars, a small telescope, or a camera with a good night mode can enhance the viewing experience and allow for capturing detailed images.