Ontario Sky to Showcase Stunning Blood Moon During Total Lunar Eclipse This Week
Toronto to Witness Stunning Blood Moon During Total Lunar Eclipse This Week
Skywatchers in the Toronto area will have a chance to witness a breathtaking total lunar eclipse late Thursday night, culminating in a striking blood moon.
This celestial event occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align perfectly, causing the Earth’s shadow to cast a reddish hue on the full moon. According to NASA, this red-orange tint results from sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere, similar to the way sunsets appear.
The rare spectacle combines a total lunar eclipse with March’s full moon phase. While lunar eclipses typically happen twice a year, visibility depends on location and time zone. Fortunately for Ontario, the full extent of the blood moon will be visible—weather permitting.
The eclipse begins at 11:57 p.m. on Thursday, reaches totality at 2:26 a.m. on Friday, and concludes by 6:00 a.m. This will be the last lunar eclipse visible in this region until 2029.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
Elaina Hyde, an astronomer and director of York University’s Allan I. Carswell Observatory, explains that Earth’s atmosphere bends sunlight, casting a reddish glow on the moon during an eclipse. The exact shade depends on atmospheric conditions—clear skies produce a bright orange hue, while volcanic eruptions or storms can darken the moon’s appearance.
Unlike a solar eclipse, which requires protective eyewear, this event can be enjoyed with the naked eye—just look up.
