On the night of August 27-28, a significant partial lunar eclipse will be visible throughout the nation. This event follows a total solar eclipse that occurred in Iceland, Spain, and a portion of Portugal about two weeks ago. Despite being partial, this eclipse will have a substantial 93% coverage at its peak.
Lunar eclipses happen when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. Before entering the umbra, the moon traverses the outer, fainter shadow called the penumbra, which is challenging to observe with the naked eye due to its dimness.
The majority of 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, protective eyewear is unnecessary to view lunar eclipses. Furthermore, lunar eclipses unfold over hours rather than minutes.
The eclipse will commence as the moon enters Earth’s penumbra around 10 p.m. ET, but the visible phase begins at 10:33 p.m. ET on August 27 and concludes at 1:52 a.m. ET on August 28. The deepest eclipse moment will occur at 12:13 a.m., rendering almost the entire moon darkened.
This astronomical event is one of several occurring this month. Elaina Hyde, the director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University, remarked on the celestial events of August, including the partial solar eclipse on August 12, the Perseids meteor shower, and the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction.
Regarding the lunar eclipse, Hyde mentioned that it will not be a “blood moon” as it is a partial eclipse, but parts of Canada may still witness a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses can be enjoyed with the naked eye, and observers with binoculars, a small telescope, or a cellphone camera with a good night mode can capture impressive images.