On the night of August 27-28, a deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible throughout Canada. This event follows closely after a total solar eclipse witnessed in Iceland, Spain, and a section of Portugal about two weeks ago.
During a lunar eclipse, the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. Before reaching the umbra, it first moves through the penumbra, Earth’s outer, fainter shadow. Visibility of this initial stage with the naked eye is challenging due to its dimness.
Most regions in Canada will witness the entire eclipse, while Western Canada will observe the partial eclipse as the moon rises.
Unlike solar eclipses, there is no need for protective eyewear to view a lunar eclipse. Additionally, lunar eclipses occur over hours rather than minutes.
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 peak of the eclipse, with nearly the entire moon appearing darkened, will be at 12:13 a.m.
This astronomical event is one of many occurring this month. Elaina Hyde, from the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University, Toronto, highlighted the multiple celestial events in August, including a partial solar eclipse on August 12, the Perseids meteor shower, and the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction.
Regarding the lunar eclipse, Hyde mentioned it being a partial eclipse, so it may not turn entirely red. However, depending on the location in Canada, the moon may appear quite red. Lunar eclipses are visible to the naked eye, but binoculars, a small telescope, or a camera with a good night mode can capture impressive pictures.