Partial lunar eclipse to grace Canadian skies this week
A deep partial lunar eclipse will be visible across North and South America on August 27-28, with 93 percent coverage at its peak. Unlike solar eclipses, this event does not require protective eyewear and will last for several hours.
Why it matters
It provides a rare, safe astronomical viewing opportunity for the general public across the Western Hemisphere.
The eclipse comes roughly two weeks after the total solar eclipse that was seen across Iceland, Spain and a small portion of Portugal.
While this will be a partial eclipse, it will be a deep one, with 93 per cent coverage at its maximum.
Lunar eclipses occur when the moon moves through Earth’s shadow, called its umbra. Before it enters the umbra, however, it passes through Earth’s outer, dimmer shadow, called the penumbra. However, because it is much dimmer, it’s difficult to see with the naked eye when this occurs.
This illustration shows the movement of the moon through Earth's shadow for the Aug. 27-28 partial eclipse. (Sky &Telescope) Most of Canada will see the entire duration of the eclipse, while Western Canada will see the partial eclipse already taking place as the moon rises.
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