A total lunar eclipse was observed overnight from Sunday to Monday.
It is also seen from parts of the continents of America, Europe and Africa.
An eclipse occurs when light from one celestial object temporarily blocks another celestial body.
Thus, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon. But Earth’s natural satellite does not completely disappear when the eclipse is total. A small portion of the Sun’s light is filtered and deflected by the Earth’s atmosphere, and this light manages to reach the surface of the Moon, appearing orange-red.
The phenomenon occurs only when the Moon is full and it is on the opposite side of the Sun with respect to the Earth.
The Moon entered the Earth’s penumbra at 9:33 pm (EDT). At this stage, however, the change in light is very subtle and difficult to see with the naked eye.
From 10:29 pm, the phenomenon began to become noticeable and could be partially observed. At this stage, the left side of the lunar disk begins to darken.
After a few minutes, this dark part further invaded the face of the Moon.
The total eclipse occurred between 11:30 pm and 12:55 am when the Moon was completely in the shadow of the Earth.
The eclipse hit at 12:11 am
Unlike the solar eclipse, the lunar eclipse presents no danger for direct observation, either with the eye or through a telescope.
The last total lunar eclipse was in January 2019.
On average, there are two lunar eclipses per year, but some years can take up to five.
The next total solar eclipse to be seen from Canada will occur on April 8, 2024.
Source: Radio-Canada
