Vancouver Sun

A HEAVENLY SHOW FOR THE EARLY BIRD

Turn around, bright eyes. There’s a total eclipse of the moon at the end of the month and those of us on the West Coast will be lucky enough to see it. Here’s what you need to know, writes Stephanie Ip.

- sip@postmedia.com

1. What’s a lunar eclipse?

A lunar eclipse is when the earth is aligned between the sun and the moon. When aligned, the earth’s shadow blocks the sun’s light from reflecting off the moon directly. The earth’s shadow is what we see on the moon during a lunar eclipse.

During a total lunar eclipse

— in which a full moon passes directly through the earth’s shadow — the sun’s light is filtered by earth’s atmosphere, causing the moon to look reddish from our viewpoint here on earth.

2.

How often does a lunar eclipse happen?

Lunar eclipses happen two to four times a year. Total lunar eclipses are harder to come by —

the last one was in 2015 but after this month’s eclipse, the next one is on Jan. 20, 2019. After that, you’ll have to wait until 2021 for the next total lunar eclipse.

3.

When will it happen?

The upcoming total lunar eclipse is on Jan. 31, 2018.

In Vancouver, the partial eclipse will begin at 3:48 a.m., with the total eclipse starting at 4:52 a.m. It will last just over one hour, ending at 6:08 a.m. The partial eclipse will end at 7:11 a.m., right before sunrise at 7:44 a.m. that day.

4.

Where will I be able to see the eclipse?

While not everyone on the West Coast of North America will be able to see the lunar eclipse, those of us on B.C.’s south coast should be able to get a decent look. That is, if you can wake up early enough.

Best spots in the Vancouver area would be anywhere high up where a condo or mountain isn’t blocking your view of the horizon. Popular spots for viewings include lookouts from Cypress Mountain Road, higher elevations such as Queen Elizabeth Park or your building ’s rooftop if it’s high up enough and not surrounded by obstructio­ns.

5.

What do I need to look at the lunar eclipse?

Unlike the solar eclipse last summer, which required special glasses to prevent harmful eye damage, the lunar eclipse requires nothing but a clear view and maybe binoculars or a telescope if you’re a keener. A tripod is handy if you’re hoping to snap some photos of the eclipse.

 ?? BILL INGALLS/NASA VIA GETTY IMAGES FILES ?? A total lunar eclipse, like this one in 2010, will be visible from B.C.’s south coast early on Jan. 31.
BILL INGALLS/NASA VIA GETTY IMAGES FILES A total lunar eclipse, like this one in 2010, will be visible from B.C.’s south coast early on Jan. 31.

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