On the night of August 27-28, a significant partial lunar eclipse will be visible throughout Canada. This event follows a total solar eclipse that occurred in Iceland, Spain, and a portion of Portugal about two weeks ago. The upcoming lunar eclipse will be a deep one, with 93% coverage at its peak.
During lunar eclipses, the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. Before entering the umbra, it moves through the penumbra, Earth’s outer shadow, which is dimmer and harder to see with the naked eye.
Most regions in Canada will witness the entire eclipse duration, while Western Canada will observe the partial eclipse already in progress as the moon rises.
Unlike solar eclipses, watching a lunar eclipse does not require protective eyewear. Additionally, lunar eclipses unfold over hours, unlike the rapid minutes of a solar eclipse.
The lunar eclipse on August 27-28 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 eclipse moment is expected at 12:13 a.m., with most of the moon appearing darkened.
Elaina Hyde, director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University’s department of physics and astronomy in Toronto, highlighted the abundance of astronomical events in August, including a partial solar eclipse, the Perseids meteor shower, and the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction.
Regarding the lunar eclipse, Hyde mentioned that it will not turn entirely red due to its partial nature, but parts of Canada may witness a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses are easily observable with the naked eye, although binoculars, a small telescope, or a camera with a good night mode can enhance the viewing experience.