A near‑total lunar eclipse will be visible across Montreal and much of Quebec this evening, beginning at 22:30 and reaching its deepest point shortly after midnight. Residents who look to the night sky will see the Moon slip into Earth’s shadow as the eclipse progresses.
The phenomenon occurs when Earth aligns directly between the Sun and the Moon, allowing the planet’s shadow to fall on the lunar surface. During this alignment, the Moon passes through the darker umbral portion of the shadow, producing a noticeable dimming that can be observed without any special equipment.
Astronomers note that the eclipse will be classified as near‑total, meaning that the Moon will be almost completely immersed in the umbra but may retain a faint outline of illumination around its edges. The event will start at 22:30, with the Moon entering the penumbral shadow first, then moving into the umbra as the night deepens. The eclipse’s maximum, when the Moon is deepest within the shadow, is expected shortly after midnight, before it begins to emerge again in the early hours of Friday.
Sky‑watchers in Montreal and surrounding areas are encouraged to find a clear view of the eastern horizon to follow the eclipse’s progression. Light pollution in the city may affect visibility, so locations with a less obstructed view of the sky will provide the best experience. The eclipse will continue to wane until the Moon fully exits Earth’s shadow before dawn, concluding the celestial display for the night.