In the early hours of Tuesday, a total lunar eclipse is set to occur across Canada as the moon passes through Earth’s shadow. The visibility of the eclipse varies depending on the location. For those in far Western Canada, such as B.C. and Yukon, the entire eclipse will be observable. However, in the Prairie provinces, the eclipse won’t be fully visible as the moon will have set in the western sky during the event. In parts of Atlantic Canada, the eclipse will appear as a partial eclipse.
Observers interested in viewing the eclipse will need to wake up early or stay up late, depending on their location, as the phenomenon will take place in the early morning hours. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses occur gradually over several hours with distinct phases.
Initially, the moon passes through the Earth’s outer shadow, the penumbra, where there is a subtle change in brightness. Subsequently, it moves into the darker inner shadow, the umbra, marking the partial phase where part of the moon may seem to vanish or dim. During a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon enters the umbra, often taking on a reddish or orange hue due to the scattering of light through Earth’s atmosphere, earning it the nickname “blood moon.”
The eclipse’s appearance can be influenced by atmospheric conditions, such as dust from volcanic eruptions, which may darken the eclipse. The progression of the eclipse will begin with the moon entering the penumbra at specific times depending on the location, leading to noticeable changes in its appearance as it moves through the different phases.
For those in certain time zones, the eclipse may not be fully visible as the moon sets before the totality phase. However, regions like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba will witness the entire totality phase before the moon sets during the partial eclipse. To find the exact timings and visibility for specific locations, individuals can refer to TimeandDate website.
Paul Delaney, professor emeritus of physics and astronomy at York University in Toronto, advises eclipse viewers to dress warmly for the chilly weather and suggests planning photography locations relative to the moon’s position. Despite potential challenges, capturing the eclipse at a low horizon could result in unique and captivating images.
