Get ready, Canada! A spectacular cosmic event is about to unfold as a total lunar eclipse, popularly known as a “Blood Moon,” will grace the night sky late Thursday into early Friday morning. This mesmerizing phenomenon, which hasn’t been seen since 2022, offers a unique opportunity for all stargazers across the nation to witness the transformation of the moon into an enchanting red orb.

Why the Reddish Glow?

According to experts, the reddish tint arises from Earth’s atmosphere. Sara Mazrouei, an educational developer and planetary scientist at Humber Polytechnic, explains, “During a total lunar eclipse, the entire moon falls within the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow, known as the umbra. That’s what gives the moon its reddish, orange color.”

Rachel Ward-Maxwell, a staff astronomer at the Ontario Science Centre, adds, “It’s similar to why sunsets are red. As sunlight filters through the atmosphere, shorter blue wavelengths scatter away, allowing the longer red wavelengths to reach the moon!”

Not Rather Rare, But Just as Remarkable

While you may remember the excitement surrounding last April’s solar eclipse, which was labeled a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, total lunar eclipses are more frequent and broadly visible. Ward-Maxwell highlights the difference, stating, "Unlike solar eclipses, where the moon’s shadow only covers a tiny portion of the Earth, a total lunar eclipse can be witnessed by anyone who is in the night sky at the time."

How to Witness the Spectacle

The best part? You can view this total lunar eclipse without any specialized gear! The CSA advises that no special eyewear is needed; simply step outside and gaze up at the night sky. For those seeking optimal viewing conditions, find a location away from city lights or head to designated “dark sky” areas across Canada.

Mazrouei emphasizes, “Just aim for the darkest sky possible. The beauty of this lunar eclipse is that you can easily see it right from your own backyard.”

Weather will play a crucial role in your viewing experience—Environment Canada is predicting clear skies in Toronto for the event, but clouds could pose a challenge.

Key Viewing Times Across Canada

Mark your calendars! The total lunar eclipse will follow a schedule that requires a little late-night dedication. The full cycle of the lunar eclipse will last around six hours, with totality occurring for just over an hour. Here’s when to look up:

- **Pacific Time:** 11:26 PM to 12:01 AM (March 13-14) - **Mountain Time:** 12:26 AM to 1:01 AM (March 14) - **Central Time:** 1:26 AM to 2:01 AM (March 14) - **Eastern Time:** 2:26 AM to 3:01 AM (March 14) - **Atlantic Time:** 3:26 AM to 4:01 AM (March 14) - **Newfoundland Time:** 3:56 AM to 4:31 AM (March 14)