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
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.