On the night of August 27-28, people across the country will have the opportunity to witness a partial lunar eclipse. This event follows a total solar eclipse that occurred in Iceland, Spain, and a portion of Portugal about two weeks earlier.
The upcoming lunar eclipse will be a deep one, with 93% coverage at its peak. Lunar eclipses happen when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. Prior to entering the umbra, the moon first traverses the outer, fainter shadow called the penumbra, which is challenging to see 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 already in progress as the moon rises.
Unlike solar eclipses that require protective eyewear, lunar eclipses can be observed with the naked eye. Furthermore, a lunar eclipse unfolds over hours rather than minutes, offering spectators an extended viewing experience.
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 deepest part of the eclipse, where most of the moon will appear darkened, is expected at 12:13 a.m.
This lunar eclipse is just one of the celestial events occurring this month, according to Elaina Hyde, the director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University’s department of physics and astronomy in Toronto. She mentioned that August has been eventful, with phenomena like the partial solar eclipse on August 12 and the recent Jupiter-Mercury conjunction.
Regarding the color of the moon during the eclipse, Hyde clarified that although it will not turn completely red due to its partial nature, observers in Canada may still witness a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses are easily visible without equipment, but binoculars, a small telescope, or a smartphone with a good night mode can enhance the viewing experience.
Overall, the upcoming partial lunar eclipse promises to be a captivating astronomical event accessible to all sky enthusiasts.