On the night of August 27-28, a significant partial lunar eclipse will be observable throughout the nation. This event follows closely after a total solar eclipse witnessed in Iceland, Spain, and a small part of Portugal a couple of weeks earlier. The upcoming eclipse, although partial, will be notably deep, with a peak coverage of 93 percent.
Lunar eclipses transpire when the moon traverses Earth’s shadow, known as its umbra. Prior to entering the umbra, the moon passes through Earth’s outer, fainter shadow called the penumbra. However, the penumbra is challenging to discern 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 ascends.
Unlike solar eclipses that necessitate protective eyewear for safe viewing, lunar eclipses can be observed without such precautions. Furthermore, lunar eclipses unfold over several hours, offering a prolonged viewing experience compared to the brief duration of a solar eclipse.
The eclipse will commence as the moon enters Earth’s penumbra around 10 p.m. Eastern Time; however, the optimal observation time begins at 10:33 p.m. ET on August 27 and concludes at 1:52 a.m. on August 28. The deepest phase of the eclipse is set to occur at 12:13 a.m. when most of the moon will appear darkened.
This lunar eclipse event is part of a series of astronomical phenomena occurring this month. Elaina Hyde, director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy in Toronto, highlighted the celestial events in August, including the partial solar eclipse on August 12, the Perseids meteor shower, and the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction.
Regarding the lunar eclipse’s visual appearance, Hyde mentioned that while it is a partial eclipse and not a full “blood moon,” viewers in certain Canadian locations can expect a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses are accessible to the naked eye, but using binoculars, a small telescope, or a cellphone camera with a night mode can enhance the viewing experience and enable capturing detailed images.
