Only visible total lunar eclipse this year shines over March break

The only chance Waterloo Region will get this year to see a total lunar eclipse is coming Friday early in the morning.

It’s set to start around midnight, but the real show, a Full Worm Blood Moon, will take over the sky around 2:30 a.m., lasting for about an hour.

“There hasn’t been one visible for us here in this region since November 2022,” said Orbax, a science communicator in the Department of Physics at the University of Guelph. “Typically, these do occur a couple times a year, but they’re not always visible.”

Although it’s set to happen late at night, it also happens to be March break. Orbax is encouraging parents to watch with young kids if they can, using the eclipse happening to try and get them interested in science.

Orbax mentioned the next one won’t happen until next March, in 2026.

“Something like this can be a captivating, really cool and mind-blowing experience, especially if you have young people at home,” he said.

Whether or not anyone in the region or surrounding areas sees it is completely up to the weather. If it is too cloudy, not much will be seen.

Orbax added that it has been a great year for people taking a moment to look up at the stars with all the events taking place.

“We had the solar eclipse last year in April. The Aurora Borealis, which were taking place, the planetary parade that just happened in January and now this, it’s an opportunity to engage young people about science and the world around them,” he said.

The total lunar eclipse can be viewed without using eye protection, unlike with a solar eclipse. A telescope is best for optimal viewing.

Orbax has a March 2025 Star Gazing Guide out on his YouTube channel that helps families looking for more information.

The full moon should return to normal by 6 a.m. Friday.