On the night of August 27-28, people across the country will have the opportunity to witness a partial lunar eclipse. This event follows closely after a recent total solar eclipse visible in Iceland, Spain, and a small part of Portugal. The upcoming partial lunar eclipse is expected to have a significant coverage of 93 percent at its peak.
During a lunar eclipse, the moon passes through two parts of Earth’s shadow known as the penumbra and the umbra. The penumbra is the outer, fainter shadow, making it challenging to observe with the naked eye. Most regions in Canada will have a clear view of the entire eclipse, while Western Canada will witness the partial eclipse as the moon ascends.
Unlike a solar eclipse, no protective eyewear is required to watch a lunar eclipse. Additionally, lunar eclipses unfold over several hours rather than minutes, providing ample time for observation. The event is forecasted to be visible across North and South America.
The eclipse is set to 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, where most of the moon will appear darkened, is expected at 12:13 a.m.
Elaina Hyde, director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University, highlighted the abundance of astronomical events this month, including the recent partial solar eclipse, the Perseids meteor shower, and the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction. While the upcoming lunar eclipse is not projected to result in a “blood moon,” observers in Canada may witness a reddish hue in certain locations.
Lunar eclipses offer a captivating sight that can be enjoyed with the naked eye, although binoculars, a small telescope, or a camera with night mode can enhance the viewing experience and enable photography.