Rare Lunar Eclipse Visible Across Canada Tuesday Morning

For the first time in more than 300 years, a lunar eclipse will coincide with the winter solstice.

That 3-D flatscreen plasma TV you just bought might be pretty cool, but the truly impressive show this holiday season is happening overhead. Not only will tonight’s lunar eclipse be the first since 1638 to fall on the longest night of the year, but the moon’s position will also line up with the stars of the Milky Way, providing a spectacular backdrop for the astronomical performance. The eclipse will begin at 1:33 a.m. ET and reach its peak at 2:41 a.m. ET, and should be visible in many parts of the country. Clear skies are being forecast in Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Calgary, but Canadians on the East and West Coast might miss out due to cloud cover.