The month of March promises to be a highlight for astronomy enthusiasts, with two exceptional celestial events to observe: a total lunar eclipse and a partial solar eclipse.

First, a lunar eclipse will illuminate the night of March 13 to 14. This rare phenomenon, called the "Blood Moon," occurs when the Moon crosses the entire shadow of the Earth, giving it a spectacular reddish hue. This phenomenon is caused by sunlight passing through the earth’s atmosphere before reaching the moon.

Observers will be able to enjoy this spectacle from home, with the naked eye or using binoculars, provided they prepare for the precise time of the eclipse. The partial phase is expected to begin at 0109, marking the beginning of the phenomenon, and at 0126, the Moon will enter the full phase. The climax will occur at 2:58 a.m. before the total phase ends at 3:31 a.m. The partial phase will end at 4:47 a.m.

The detailed calendar of the total lunar eclipse is as follows:

Partial start: 1 h 09
Total start: 2:26
Maximum: 2 h 58
Total end: 3:31
Partial end: 4:47 a.m.

A partial solar eclipse

On March 29, at dawn, we may witness a partial solar eclipse, a unique opportunity to observe the Sun rising with a portion of its disc obscured.  In Montreal, the eclipse will be less pronounced, with 52% obscuration at 0644.

However, unlike the lunar eclipse, observing a solar eclipse requires special precautions. Looking directly at the sun can cause irreversible eye damage. It is therefore imperative to bring certified sun filters or use spray methods, such as the famous shoe box, to admire this phenomenon safely.