On the night of August 27-28, a deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible throughout Canada. This event follows the total solar eclipse observed in Iceland, Spain, and a part of Portugal about two weeks earlier. Lunar eclipses occur when the moon moves through the Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra, after passing through the outer, dimmer shadow called the penumbra. Most regions in Canada will have a clear view of the eclipse, with Western Canada already witnessing the partial eclipse as the moon rises.
Unlike solar eclipses, watching the lunar eclipse does not require any protective eyewear. The event unfolds over hours, unlike the brief duration of a solar eclipse. The eclipse will commence as the moon enters Earth’s penumbra around 10 p.m. ET, with the visible phase beginning at 10:33 p.m. ET on August 27 and concluding at 1:52 a.m. on August 28. The peak of the eclipse, with nearly the entire moon appearing darkened, will occur at 12:13 a.m.
The lunar eclipse on August 27-28 will be visible across North and South America. This astronomical event is part of several others occurring this month, according to Elaina Hyde, the director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University. While it will not be a complete “blood moon,” the eclipse may still showcase a reddish hue in certain parts of Canada. The advantage of lunar eclipses is that they can be observed with the naked eye, although binoculars, a small telescope, or a smartphone with a good night mode can enhance the viewing experience.
