An avid skywatcher got a treat in Vancouver last night when the highly anticipated total lunar eclipse rose over the city.
Vancouver photographer Barbora Kyselicova told Daily Hive that she was awake for most of the night, but it was worth it to catch a glimpse of the blood moon.
“I’ve been photographing the moon for many years, and last night was truly amazing,” Kyselicova shared.
“On nights like that, I usually don’t sleep. I just wait for the perfect moment. It’s fascinating to imagine standing on the moon and seeing something completely different.”
Barbora Kyselicova
According to Matthew Cimone, senior space science interpreter at the HR MacMillan Space Centre, the Blood Moon total lunar eclipse is when the Moon’s bright grey-white glow is replaced by the red glow of the Earth’s atmosphere as the rest of the sunlight is blocked.
He also added that Metro Vancouver residents needed to wake up bright and early to catch the phenomenon.
“This one will last about six hours total from the very start of the Earth’s shadow hitting the moon until it is completely over,” Cimone told Daily Hive.
“The Moon will be totally eclipsed for about 30 minutes of that time from 3:33 a.m. to 4:02 a.m. PT. The event itself will start at 12:44 a.m.”
Barbora Kyselicova
Kyselicova explained that she took photos of the blood moon from Stanley Park, facing towards downtown Vancouver, Canada Place, and the Vancouver Convention Centre.
“I started photographing the moon when I began learning more about space, stars, and the northern lights — and after I got my huge lens, the Sigma 150–600mm,” she said.
“I always say the sky is unlimited, just like the possibilities for everyone. Just dream and go for it.”
According to the Canadian Space Agency, the next eclipse visible from Canada will be a partial solar eclipse on Wednesday, Aug. 12. So save the date in your calendars, skygazers.