On the night of August 27-28, a significant partial lunar eclipse will be observable throughout the nation. This event follows about two weeks after a total solar eclipse that was visible in Iceland, Spain, and a small part of Portugal. Although this lunar eclipse will only be partial, it is anticipated to be quite profound, with up to 93% coverage at its peak.
Lunar eclipses occur when the moon traverses Earth’s shadow, known as its umbra. Before entering the umbra, the moon first passes through Earth’s outer, fainter shadow called the penumbra. However, due to its dimness, observing this phase with the naked eye can be challenging.
The majority of Canada will have the opportunity to witness the entire eclipse duration, with Western Canada already catching a glimpse of the partial eclipse as the moon ascends. Unlike solar eclipses that require protective eyewear, lunar eclipses can be enjoyed without any special equipment. Furthermore, unlike a solar eclipse that occurs within minutes, a lunar eclipse unfolds over several hours.
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, but the visible phase begins at 10:33 p.m. ET on August 27 and concludes at 1:52 a.m. on August 28. The deepest part of the eclipse is expected at 12:13 a.m., with the moon appearing mostly darkened.
This celestial event is just one of many astronomical occurrences this month. According to Elaina Hyde, director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University in Toronto, August has been packed with remarkable astronomical phenomena, including a partial solar eclipse, the Perseids meteor shower, and the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction.
While this eclipse won’t result in a “blood moon,” it may still exhibit reddish hues in certain parts of Canada. The beauty of lunar eclipses lies in their accessibility; no specialized equipment is needed, just your eyes. For those interested in capturing the event, binoculars, a small telescope, or a smartphone camera with a good night mode can provide excellent photo opportunities.