Visibility of the lunar eclipse of March 3, 2026

Photo of the March 2025 lunar eclipse

Moonset during the eclipse over the snowy mountains!

To add a bit more detail about this astronomical phenomenon, the next lunar eclipse will not be fully visible in Quebec, but it will still offer us a beautiful show!

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

➤ 3:44 →Penumbra begins (the Moon turns orange)
➤ 4:50 →Partial eclipse begins
➤ 6:04 to 7:02 →Total eclipse (maximum at 6:33)
➤ 6:20 →Moonset (Eastern Townships)
➤ 8:17 →Partial eclipse ends

A slight disappointment for this eclipse: dawn begins around 5:15 AM and the Moon sets at 6:20 AM. Moreover, when it is said that the Moon sets at 6:20 AM, this is for a perfectly flat horizon, without trees or mountains, which is rare unless you are on a high point at a good altitude. Depending on your horizon line where you are located, the Moon will set rather around 6:00 - 6:10 AM (Eastern Townships).

The final verdict ⁓ a 4:45 AM wake-up to watch the partial eclipse, which you will see progress as dawn slowly lights up the landscape 30 minutes later. The moon will then remain visible, and that will be the moment to take magnificent photos with a progressively smaller crescent moon against a snowy horizon! If you climb a mountain, for example Mount Mégantic, you will be treated to a magnificent tableau with a total phase moonset between 6:04 and 6:15 AM.

So here's a great plan 😉: Come stay at Aux Cinq Sens during the March 2026 spring break week and combine observing this captivating astronomical phenomenon with the snowy peaks of the region as a backdrop!

Welcome and happy observing!!