On the night of August 27-28, a significant partial lunar eclipse will be visible nationwide. This event follows the total solar eclipse witnessed in Iceland, Spain, and a portion of Portugal about two weeks earlier. The upcoming partial eclipse is expected to have an impressive 93% coverage at its peak.
Lunar eclipses occur when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra, after traversing the penumbra, Earth’s outer, fainter shadow. The penumbra phase is challenging to observe with the naked eye due to its dimness. Most regions in Canada will have a clear view of the entire eclipse duration, while Western Canada will witness the partial eclipse as the moon rises.
Unlike solar eclipses, no protective eyewear is required to observe a lunar eclipse. Additionally, a lunar eclipse unfolds gradually over hours, contrasting the quick occurrence of a solar eclipse. 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 eclipse’s peak darkness is anticipated at 12:13 a.m., with nearly the entire moon appearing obscured.
This event is one of several celestial occurrences happening this month. Elaina Hyde, director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University, Toronto, highlighted the numerous astronomical events in August, including a partial solar eclipse, the Perseids meteor shower, and the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction.
Regarding the lunar eclipse’s appearance, Hyde mentioned that while it will not transform into a “blood moon” entirely, some regions in Canada may witness a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses offer a captivating spectacle visible to the naked eye, and viewers can capture impressive images using binoculars, a small telescope, or a smartphone with a good night mode.