Categories: Things To Do

There’s a rare ‘supermoon eclipse’ in Vancouver this month & here’s where you can catch it

Photo via Leon Wang / Shutterstock

Astronomers and space enthusiasts take note. The first total lunar eclipse of the year and ‘supermoon’ phenomenon will take place on May 15th, and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is offering front-row seats to the show!

Come by their after-hours viewing party on May 15th for the chance to see the lunar eclipse up close and personal with some heavy-duty telescopes. Afterwards, you can check out some of their new exhibits in their Cosmic Courtyard.

So, what’s the deal with the ‘blood flower moon’, you may ask? Well, Indigenous peoples refer to a ‘flower moon’ in May to indicate a full moon in springtime. When the Earth’s shadow encompasses the moon, light refracted from our atmosphere casts a reddish tint, creating what is known as a “blood moon.”

The likelihood of a ‘supermoon’ appearance coinciding with a total lunar eclipse is especially rare, so you’ll definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for this one!

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, “the Moon will enter the penumbra at 9:31 P.M. EDT on May 15 (6:31 P.M. PDT) and leave it at 2:52 A.M. EDT on May 16 (11:52 P.M. PDT on May 15).”

Basically, you can head to the Space Centre after hours around 7 or 8 pm and still have plenty of time to settle in before the total eclipse starts.

Remember, eclipses are known in astrology as a very transformative time. If you’re feeling a little off-centre lately, use this viewing party as a chance to reflect, and of course, observe some cool astral action too.

We’ll see you there, Vancouver.