Here's when you can see the Super Blue Blood Moon eclipse in Canada
It’s time to witness what NASA calls a “lunar trifecta.”
Canada is one of the places to be to see Wednesday morning’s Super Blue Blood Moon eclipse.
According to NASA, the eclipse, which takes place in the early morning hours of January 31, is special for a few reasons. This moon is the third in a series of super moons, which is when the moon is closer to earth in its orbit, and will be about 14% brighter than it usually is.
This is also the second full moon of the month, which is known as a “blue moon.” And this super blue moon will be passing through the earth’s shadow, giving us a total lunar eclipse. While the moon is in the earth’s shadow, NASA says it will take on a reddish tint, which is known as a “blood moon.”
So when should you set your alarms for this trifecta?
The Weather Network
The Weather Network shows the best times for viewing, including start, peak, and ending.
For those in Quebec and southern/eastern Ontario, you’ll get a partial lunar eclipse, as the moon makes it only part way into the red umbra before it is lost to view beyond the horizon, states the Weather Network. Although, this is better odds than Nova Scotia and Newfoundland who won’t see this eclipse at all.
For the east, depending where you are, the start will be early on Wednesday around 5:50 am, with its peak close to 7/7:30 am.
Heading northwest to Nunavut and all the way west to the coast of British Columbia, a total lunar eclipse will visible in the predawn hours. So the farther west you are, the more of the eclipse you will be able to see.
Alberta will see a start time of 3:51 am, peaking at 6:29 am, and ending just before work around 8:20 am.
Similarly, BC’s top viewing will start at 2:51 am, peaking at 5:29 am, and concluding at 7:51 am.
The path of the Full Moon through Earth’s dim grey penumbral shadow and the deep red umbra. (Scott Sutherland/The Weather Network)
According to the Weather Network, winter can be the most rewarding time to stargaze.
“The cold winter air often presents the best viewing of the night sky, compared to other seasons, as the air tends to be drier and more stable,” writes Scott Sutherland,
Meteorologist/Science Writer. “Even with the unaided eye, the drier air reflects back less of the light pollution produced by our urban centres, so our skies tend to be darker, allowing us to see more stars, and more meteors during the annual meteor showers.”
So dress warmly, and set those alarms tonight!