Partial lunar eclipse that hasn’t been seen in nearly 600 years will be visible overnight
A partial lunar eclipse set to peak over Alberta early Friday morning — which hasn't been seen for nearly 600 years — is sure to draw out photographers, amateur astronomers and general enthusiasts of celestial events.
Don Hladiuk, a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, says he'll likely head west to see the partial eclipse if the clouds over Calgary don’t clear up enough.
“I’m willing to make a drive within reason to find some clear skies,” he said.
Starting just after midnight, Hladiuk says the moon will enter the dark part of the earth’s shadow and will take several hours to pass through, until it peaks just after 2 a.m MT.
There will be 97 per cent coverage.
Lunar eclipses aren’t unusual, but Hladiuk says this one is unique because it’s going to take longer to complete.
"There has not been this long of a partial eclipse since 1440. It’s been nearly 600 years since we’ve had this very long partial eclipse," he said.
The long wait makes it easy for professional photographers like Neil Zeller to capture beautiful images of the event. He will also try to find a clear vantage point to view the eclipse.
“The key to this is a very long lens, 500 to 600 mm would be a telephoto lens to use because it brings the moon closer than even our eyes can see it so we can create pretty impressive views," he said.
Hladiuk will be bringing his telescope and a pair of binoculars, but if people don’t have the fancy equipment, he says the eclipse will be safe to view with the naked eye.
As long as there aren’t any clouds, it can be viewed anywhere in the city.
“I have a reclining lawn chair set up with a sleeping bag so I don’t have to strain my neck, I‘ll be able to just lie back and have some hot chocolate to stay warm," he said.
Hladiuk says the moon will start to enter the dark part of the earth’s shadow around 12:19 a.m MT and exit at 3:47 a.m MT.
There will be a full lunar eclipse next year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.