Total lunar eclipse set to grace the skies

A lunar eclipse appears in March 2025. (File)

Get ready to take in a feast for the eyes because an astronomical event that won’t happen again for another two years is coming soon.

Canada, including Central Ontario, will be treated to a total lunar eclipse in the early morning hours on Tuesday, something that won’t happen again until the end of 2028.

The spectacular celestial event will be visible to the naked eye without needing a telescope, according to the Canadian Space Agency.

What is a total lunar eclipse?

A total lunar eclipse happens when the earth passes directly between the sun and moon, casting a large shadow onto the moon, blocking the sun’s rays.

The phenomenon makes the moon appear deep, reddish-orange in colour. It can also look like it has a red glow.

“It’s as if all of the world’s sunrises and sunsets are projected onto the moon,” according to NASA’s Science Mission Directorate website.

The site says the alignment can only happen during a full moon phase.

Not only will you be able to see the eclipse but since earth’s shadow dims the surface of the moon, constellations could be easier to spot than they usually are during a full moon.

During the eclipse, the moon will be in the constellation Leo with the moon situated just under the lion’s back paws.

Luckily, Mother Nature is on our side as the forecast from Environment Canada is showing at least partly clear skies Monday into Tuesday.

When can the phenomenon be seen?

According to Time and Date, Barrie can expect to see the total eclipse beginning at 6:04 a.m. with the eclipse at its maximum at 6:33 a.m.

The moon is usually in totality, when it turns red, for roughly an hour.

Whether you choose to stay up late or get up early, it will certainly be a sight to behold, so step outside, look up and enjoy the night sky.