Blood Moon Eclipse 2026: How to See It in Quebec

Quebec residents are preparing to witness a total lunar eclipse, often called a “blood moon,” in the early hours of March 3, 2026. The eclipse will be visible across the province, with the exception of the Gaspé Peninsula and the North Shore, where only a partial eclipse will be seen.

The celestial event occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the lunar surface. According to information released by the Vega Club of Cap-Rouge, the partial phase of the eclipse will begin at 4:50 a.m. On March 3rd. The total phase, when the Moon takes on a reddish hue, will commence at 6:04 a.m. However, the Moon will set at 6:30 a.m., coinciding with the peak of the eclipse, meaning observers will have a limited window to view the phenomenon as it sits low on the western horizon.

A total lunar eclipse happens when the Moon travels completely into the Earth’s umbra – the darkest part of its shadow. The reddish color, which gives the eclipse its “blood moon” moniker, is a result of sunlight being filtered and refracted through the Earth’s atmosphere. The atmosphere scatters blue light, allowing longer wavelengths like red and orange to reach the Moon’s surface. The intensity of the red hue can vary depending on the amount of dust and clouds present in Earth’s atmosphere.

Whereas full moons occur monthly, lunar eclipses are less frequent because the Sun, Earth, and Moon must be precisely aligned for the Earth’s shadow to fall on the Moon. The lunar orbit is tilted relative to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun, meaning the shadows often pass above or below the Moon.

Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye, requiring no special filters or protective eyewear. The eclipse is expected to last for approximately 30 minutes, according to reports. Meteorologist Nicolas Lessard contributed to the reporting on this event.