A partial lunar eclipse will grace the night skies on Aug. 27-28, visible throughout the country. Occurring about two weeks after a total solar eclipse seen in Iceland, Spain, and part of Portugal, this event will offer a deep partial eclipse with 93% coverage at its peak.
Lunar eclipses happen as the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. Before reaching the umbra, it traverses the outer, dimmer penumbra, which is challenging to observe with the naked eye due to its faintness.
The majority of Canada will witness the entire eclipse duration, while Western Canada will catch the partial eclipse as the moon ascends. Unlike solar eclipses that require protective eyewear, lunar eclipses can be safely viewed with the naked eye. Additionally, lunar eclipses unfold over hours, unlike the brief minutes of a solar eclipse.
The eclipse will commence as the moon enters Earth’s penumbra around 10 p.m. ET, but the visible phase begins at 10:33 p.m. ET on Aug. 27, concluding at 1:52 a.m. on Aug. 28. The deepest eclipse moment will occur at 12:13 a.m., rendering most of the moon in shadow.
Notably, this lunar eclipse is just one among many celestial events occurring this month. According to Elaina Hyde, director of York University’s Allan I. Carswell Observatory department of physics and astronomy, August boasts various astronomical marvels, including the recent partial solar eclipse on August 12 and the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction.
While this lunar eclipse won’t transform into a “blood moon,” it may appear reddish, especially in certain regions of Canada. The beauty of lunar eclipses lies in their accessibility, requiring no special equipment—just the naked eye. However, binoculars, a small telescope, or a smartphone with a good night mode can enhance the viewing experience and capture memorable images.