On the night of August 27-28, a deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible throughout Canada following the recent total solar eclipse over Iceland, Spain, and a section of Portugal. Lunar eclipses occur when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, moving through the penumbra before entering the darker umbra. Most of Canada will witness the entire eclipse duration, with Western Canada catching the partial eclipse as the moon rises.
Unlike solar eclipses, viewing the lunar eclipse does not require protective eyewear. The event spans hours rather than minutes, providing ample time for observation. The eclipse will commence around 10 p.m. ET as the moon enters Earth’s penumbra, 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, with nearly complete darkening of the moon, is expected at 12:13 a.m.
The upcoming lunar eclipse is part of a series of astronomical events occurring this month. Elaina Hyde, director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University in Toronto, highlighted the celestial events in August, including the recent partial solar eclipse on August 12 and the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction. Hyde mentioned that the partial eclipse may result in a reddish hue, depending on the viewer’s location in Canada.
Lunar eclipses offer a spectacle that can be enjoyed with the naked eye, although binoculars or a small telescope can enhance the viewing experience. Additionally, capturing the eclipse with a smartphone camera equipped with a night mode can yield impressive photos.