Toronto skywatchers are, once again, in for a major celestial show (the third one this month), as a deep partial lunar eclipse is set to darken almost the entire moon tonight into Friday morning. And you’ll want to look up for this one because Toronto won’t see another lunar eclipse this good for years!
Tonight’s eclipse will be visible across Canada, and it’ll be about as close to a total eclipse as you can get without the moon completely disappearing into Earth’s darkest shadow.
According to Time and Date, the eclipse begins at about 9:23 p.m. Thursday, when the moon starts entering Earth’s lighter outer shadow. The more dramatic partial phase begins at 10:33 p.m., as Earth’s darker umbral shadow starts moving across the lunar surface.
The best time for Torontonians to look up will be around 12:12 a.m. Friday, when the eclipse reaches its maximum! At that point, the moon will be about 93 per cent immersed in Earth’s umbra, so only a thin bright sliver will be visible. The partial phase ends at 1:51 a.m., and the entire eclipse wraps up at 3:01 a.m.
Grab a coffee and stay up for this one. According to the Weather Network, eastern Canada will have to wait until June 26, 2029, for the next total lunar eclipse with better visibility!
This showing could be especially pretty as the moon might take on a subtle, dusky red or copper tint near the eclipse’s peak (this is because sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere reaches the shadowed lunar surface). And skywatchers can be optimistic as forecasts for tonight show mainly clear skies across much of Ontario.
For the best view, as always, head somewhere safe with a clear sightline and fewer city lights. No special eclipse glasses are required for a lunar eclipse (just look up and enjoy the show).
Before the next cosmic wonder takes place, check out some of the best spots in Southern Ontario to watch celestial events.