On the night of August 27-28, a significant partial lunar eclipse will be visible throughout the United States. This event follows the total solar eclipse that occurred in Iceland, Spain, and a portion of Portugal about two weeks ago. The upcoming eclipse will be a deep partial one, with 93% coverage at its peak.
Lunar eclipses happen when the moon passes through Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. Before entering the umbra, the moon goes through the penumbra, Earth’s outer dimmer shadow. The penumbra is challenging to see with the naked eye due to its dimness.
Most regions in Canada will witness the entire eclipse, while Western Canada will observe the partial eclipse already in progress as the moon rises.
Unlike solar eclipses, no protective eyewear is necessary to observe a lunar eclipse. Additionally, a lunar eclipse unfolds over hours, not minutes, providing a more extended viewing experience.
The eclipse will commence as the moon enters Earth’s penumbra around 10 p.m. ET. However, the visible phase of the eclipse will begin at 10:33 p.m. ET on August 27 and conclude at 1:52 a.m. on August 28. The deepest part of the eclipse is expected at 12:13 a.m., with nearly the entire moon appearing darkened.
This astronomical spectacle is part of various celestial events occurring this month. Elaina Hyde, director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy in Toronto, expressed excitement over the August astronomical events, including the recent partial solar eclipse on August 12 and the Perseids meteor shower.
Regarding the moon’s appearance during the eclipse, Hyde mentioned that while it won’t turn completely red due to being a partial eclipse, observers in Canada can still expect a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses can be enjoyed with the naked eye, but binoculars, a small telescope, or a smartphone with a good night mode can enhance the viewing experience and capture clear images.