Visibility of the lunar eclipse of March 3, 2026

Photo of the lunar eclipse of March 2025

Moonset during an eclipse over the snow-covered mountains!

To provide a little more detail on this astronomical phenomenon, the next lunar eclipse will not be fully visible in Quebec, but it promises us a beautiful spectacle!

Let's look at the data for the eclipse that will begin in the early morning hours of March 3rd:

➤ 3:44 → Beginning of the penumbra (the Moon turns orange)
➤ 4:50 → Beginning of the partial eclipse
➤ 6:04 to 7:02 → Total eclipse (maximum at 6:33)
➤ 6:20 → Moonset (Eastern Townships)
➤ 8:17 → End of the partial eclipse

A slight disappointment with this eclipse: dawn begins around 5:15 AM and the Moon sets at 6:20 AM. Furthermore, when we say the Moon sets at 6:20 AM, that's assuming a perfectly flat horizon, free of trees and mountains, which is rare unless you're on a high point at a considerable altitude. Depending on your location, the Moon will likely set closer to 6:00 AM - 6:10 AM (Eastern Townships).

The final verdict: ⁓ Get up at 4:45 to watch the partial eclipse, which you'll see progress as dawn gently illuminates the landscape 30 minutes later. The moon will then remain visible, and it will be the perfect time to take magnificent photos with the crescent moon shrinking against the snow-capped horizon! If you climb a mountain, such as Mont Mégantic, you'll be treated to a stunning view of the total moon setting between 6:04 and 6:15.

So this is a magnificent plan 😉: Come stay Aux Cinq Sens during this March 2026 break week and combine the observation of this captivating astronomical phenomenon with the snow-capped peaks of the region as a backdrop!

Welcome and happy observing!