Longest partial lunar eclipse in 500 years will dazzle star gazers tonight
Stargazers able to find clear sky will be in for a historical show.
If you can get above the clouds tonight in the Okanagan, you might be in for a bit of a treat.
The Beaver Full Moon will be the longest partial lunar eclipse in almost six centuries, according to Jim Failes with the Okanagan Centre Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.
The full moon at this time of year garners that nick name, as this is when beavers move into their lodges for wintering. During the fur trade, this is also the time when trapped beavers were harvested for their pelts.
"Technically, this eclipse is not a total eclipse, but a very deep partial eclipse," Failes said.
As the moon passes through the Earth's shadow, it will turn a dark red and copper tone. This is created by sunlight refracting through the atmosphere.
The early stages of the show begin around 11 p.m., with the last vestiges visible at about 3:30 a.m.
Published 2021-11-18 by Big Ginger
Our newsroom abides by the RTNDA Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct and follows the Canadian Press Stylebook. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to send us a news tip, please contact us.
Kelowna10 is division of Pattison Media, and strives to achieve the highest ethical standards in all that we do.