On the night of August 27-28, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible throughout the country. This eclipse follows the total solar eclipse observed in Iceland, Spain, and a portion of Portugal about two weeks earlier. The upcoming partial lunar eclipse will be quite profound, with 93% coverage at its peak.

Lunar eclipses occur when the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. Prior to entering the umbra, it moves through the Earth’s outer, fainter shadow called the penumbra, which is challenging to see with the naked eye due to its dimness.

Most regions in Canada will have the opportunity to witness the entire eclipse duration, while Western Canada will catch a glimpse of the partial eclipse as the moon rises.

Unlike a solar eclipse, watching a lunar eclipse does not necessitate protective eyewear. Moreover, lunar eclipses unfold over hours rather than minutes, offering a prolonged viewing experience.

The eclipse will commence as the moon enters Earth’s penumbra around 10 p.m. ET, with the visible phase kicking off at 10:33 p.m. ET on August 27 and concluding at 1:52 a.m. on August 28. The deepest shadowing of the eclipse is expected at 12:13 a.m., rendering most of the moon in darkness.

This celestial event is just one of several astronomical occurrences taking place this month. Elaina Hyde, the director of the Allan I. Carswell Observatory at York University’s Department of Physics and Astronomy in Toronto, highlighted the abundance of astronomical events in August, including a partial solar eclipse on August 12, the Perseids meteor shower, and the Jupiter-Mercury conjunction.

While the upcoming eclipse is partial and may not exhibit a full “blood moon,” certain areas in Canada may witness a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses offer a spectacle that can be enjoyed with the naked eye, though binoculars, a small telescope, or a smartphone with a good night mode can enhance the viewing experience for capturing photos.