QUEBEC, March 13, 2025 – Tonight, residents of Quebec will have the opportunity to witness a remarkable total lunar eclipse, commonly referred to as the "blood moon," as the moon transforms to a reddish hue due to the Earth's shadow. The eclipse will begin tonight at 11:57 PM, allowing viewers to enjoy the celestial display until approximately 4:48 AM tomorrow morning.
According to Julie Bolduc-Duval, director of the Astronomy Education Program, the show will be visible largely uninterrupted by clouds. She explained, "It's the blood moon, and starting at around 1:09, there will be part of the moon missing as it enters the Earth's shadow." Bolduc-Duval noted the transition from full brightness to red will be stunning, with full obscurity reached between 2:26 AM and 3:31 AM. "During this period, expect the moon to take on a dark red hue for more than one hour," she added.
The occurrence of a total lunar eclipse is extraordinary but safe to observe without any special equipment, unlike solar eclipses, where proper protective eyewear is required. Residents are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled skywards—no special telescopes or filters are necessary—just find the darkest location possible to optimize visibility.
Astrophysicist Marie-Eve Naud from the University of Montreal added more insight on the eclipse: "How red the moon will be depends on the amount of smoke, clouds, and dust present in the atmosphere. That's something people study; the tint will inform us about Earth's atmospheric conditions." Factors like volcanic eruptions or pollution could influence the moon's color today.
Looking back, the last total lunar eclipse visible from North America occurred on November 8, 2022, and it served as a challenge to amateur astronomers and astronomy enthusiasts alike to capture its splendor. Tonight’s display promises to be just as captivating, if not more. This month holds another notable celestial event: on March 29, 2025, residents can also catch sight of a partial solar eclipse between sunrise and 7:15 AM across parts of Quebec.
Naud expresses enthusiasm for the unique qualities of tonight's lunar eclipse: "The red color is due to sunlight being scattered through the Earth's atmosphere—this scattering is the reason our sunsets are so colorful. During the eclipse, the moon appears red rather than disappearing completely." This stunning visual is associated with the atmospheric effects of Rayleigh scattering, which can make astronomical phenomena even more vivid.
With warm temperatures expected, this lunar eclipse provides the perfect opportunity for viewers everywhere from backyards to parks to witness the natural beauty of the sky. Parents can take their children outside—without worrying about eye safety—to instill wonder about astronomy and nature.
For those eager to document the moment, some tips include adjusting camera settings appropriately for the varying lighting conditions as the eclipse progresses. Photographers are advised to use ISO 400, aperture f/8, and focal lengths between 300 to 500 mm.
Finally, after tonight’s exciting lunar spectacle, the next total lunar eclipse will not occur until March 3 to 4, 2026. Residents of Quebec are reminded to take full advantage of this stunning celestial event.
So, step outside, look up, and enjoy the vibrant show offered by tonight's total lunar eclipse!