On the night of August 27-28, people across the country will have the opportunity to witness a partial lunar eclipse. This event follows closely after the recent total solar eclipse visible in Iceland, Spain, and a portion of Portugal. The upcoming partial lunar eclipse is expected to be quite significant, with up to 93% coverage at its peak.
Lunar eclipses occur when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra, after traversing through the outer, fainter shadow called the penumbra. While the penumbral phase is harder to discern with the naked eye due to its dimness, the main eclipse event is more noticeable.
Most regions in Canada will have a clear view of the entire eclipse duration, with Western Canada already witnessing the partial eclipse as the moon rises. Unlike a solar eclipse that requires protective eyewear for viewing, a lunar eclipse can be observed without any special equipment. Furthermore, lunar eclipses unfold over several hours, unlike the swift occurrence of a solar eclipse.
The eclipse will commence around 10 p.m. ET as the moon enters Earth’s penumbra, 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 peak of the eclipse is expected at 12:13 a.m., with the moon appearing significantly darkened during that time.
This celestial event adds to the array of astronomical occurrences happening this month. According to Elaina Hyde, director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University in Toronto, August has been filled with noteworthy events such as the partial solar eclipse on August 12, the Perseids meteor shower, and the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction.
While this will be a partial eclipse and not a “blood moon,” viewers in Canada can still expect to see a reddish hue during the eclipse. Lunar eclipses are easily observable with the naked eye, but using binoculars, a small telescope, or a camera with a good night mode can enhance the viewing experience and capture impressive images.