The moon will rise at 9:22 pm and no special equipment is needed to view the lunar eclipse
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A “rare celestial event” may allow Albertans to see a red moon Sunday.
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The total lunar eclipse, expected to take place May 15, would be Alberta’s first of two this year, with another expected Nov. 8.
The Telus World of Science said Wednesday that the eclipse would already be underway by the time the moon rises in the southeast sky over Edmonton at about 9:22 pm, barring overcast conditions.
The total eclipse is expected to begin six minutes later at 9:28 pm and last until 10:54 pm; the partial or threshold eclipse could remain visible until 11:55 pm, while the penumbral eclipse is expected to end at about 12:51 am
An eclipse takes place when the moon passes through the Earth’s shadow in space. It could take on a rusty red hue when it enters the darkest part of the shadow as the Earth blocks direct sunlight and leaves the moon illuminated in only a small amount of long-wavelength light refracting through the atmosphere.
Each year there are as many as seven but usually closer to four lunar eclipses.
It’s safe to watch a lunar eclipse with the naked eye, unlike a solar eclipse.
The Telus World of Science and Royal Astronomical Society of Canada will be set up with telescopes available to the public in Coronation Park between 10 pm and midnight, but warn in a news release that the trees in the park may hinder the view.