On the night of August 27-28, sky gazers across the nation will have the opportunity to witness a partial lunar eclipse. Following closely on the heels of the recent total solar eclipse visible in Iceland, Spain, and parts of Portugal, this upcoming eclipse is predicted to be a profound event, with coverage reaching 93 percent at its maximum point.
Lunar eclipses occur when the moon traverses the Earth’s shadow, starting with the outer penumbra before moving into the darker umbra. While the penumbra phase is faint and challenging to observe without aid, the umbra phase presents a more dramatic spectacle as the moon takes on various shades of darkness.
Most regions in Canada are expected to experience the entire eclipse duration, with Western Canada catching a glimpse of the partial eclipse as the moon rises. Unlike solar eclipses that require protective eyewear, lunar eclipses can be safely viewed with the naked eye. Furthermore, the extended duration of a lunar eclipse, spanning hours rather than minutes, allows for a leisurely observation of the celestial event.
If you are planning to witness the eclipse, mark your calendar for the start at around 10 p.m. ET when the moon enters Earth’s penumbra. However, the visible phase begins at 10:33 p.m. ET on August 27 and concludes at 1:52 a.m. on August 28, with the deepest eclipse expected at 12:13 a.m. when the moon will appear significantly darkened.
This lunar eclipse is just one of many astronomical phenomena happening this month. Elaina Hyde, the director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University, highlighted the series of celestial events in August, including the recent partial solar eclipse and the Perseids meteor shower.
Regarding the eclipse’s visual impact, while it may not transform into a “blood moon” due to its partial nature, observers in Canada can still anticipate a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses offer a captivating sight that can be enjoyed without specialized equipment, allowing viewers to use binoculars, a small telescope, or even a smartphone with a good night mode to capture stunning images of the event.
