March 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible month for skywatchers in Toronto. From a breathtaking total lunar eclipse to a bright Full Worm Moon, there are plenty of reasons to look up this month. Whether you’re a casual stargazer or an avid astronomy enthusiast, here’s what to expect in Toronto’s night sky this March.
March’s Full Moon – The Worm Moon & a Total Lunar Eclipse
March’s full moon, known as the Full Worm Moon, will rise on the evening of March 13 and reach peak illumination in the early hours of March 14, 2025. This name originates from Indigenous and early colonial traditions, marking the time when earthworms started emerging as the ground begins to thaw.
But this won’t be just any full moon—Toronto will also witness a total lunar eclipse!
- When to watch: The penumbral eclipse will begin at 11:57 PM EST on March 14, partial eclipse starts at 1:09 am Friday and total lunar eclipse will start at 2:26 AM EST. The eclipse experience ends at 3:31 am on Friday.
- What to expect: During totality, the Moon will take on a deep reddish-orange hue, often referred to as a “Blood Moon.” This happens as Earth’s shadow covers the lunar surface, with only refracted sunlight filtering through the planet’s atmosphere.
- Viewing tips: Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are completely safe to observe with the naked eye. Grab a blanket, find a dark area away from city lights, and enjoy the celestial show.
Other Night Sky Highlights in March
Beyond the two major eclipses, March also brings other celestial treats:
Spring Equinox (March 20, 2025) – The official start of astronomical spring occurs at 5:01 AM EST, marking the point when day and night are nearly equal in length. This is also a great time to spot the zodiacal light, a faint cone of sunlight scattered by interplanetary dust, visible in the western sky after sunset.
Planets on Display – Venus will shine brightly in the western evening sky, while Mars and Jupiter will be visible in the pre-dawn hours. Saturn reappears in the morning sky toward the end of the month.
Best Time for Stargazing – New Moon occurs on March 29, making it an excellent time for deep-sky observation. With less light pollution, star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies will be more visible in dark sky areas like the Forks of the Credit or Long Sault Conservation Area.
Partial Solar Eclipse – A Subtle Event in Toronto on March 29 On the morning of March 29, 2025, Toronto will experience a brief, and partial solar eclipse. This celestial event occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, partially obscuring the Sun’s image from our perspective.
- Time to watch: The eclipse will begin at sunrise, approximately 7:07 AM EDT, and conclude by 7:10 AM EDT.
- What it will look like: At sunrise, the Sun will appear almost entirely intact, with a slight indentation on its edge due to the minimal coverage.
- Where to see it: To observe this subtle phenomenon, find a location with a clear eastern horizon. Elevated areas or open spaces without obstructions like buildings or trees are ideal.
- Safety warning: Never look directly at the Sun without proper eye protection, even during a partial eclipse. Use certified solar viewing glasses or indirect viewing methods, such as a pinhole projector, to safely enjoy the event.
Astronomy Events in Toronto
If you want to dive deeper into astronomy this month, check out these local events:
Recreational Astronomy Night (March 5, 2025) – Hosted by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) Toronto Centre, this monthly gathering will feature presentations on upcoming celestial events and a segment on auroras.
Where: York University, 4700 Keele St, North York, Petrie Science Building, Room 317
March Break – Space Action: Craters & Comets (March 11-15, 2025) – A hands-on astronomy program at the David Dunlap Observatory where kids can learn about impact craters and even make their own simulated craters!
Who can attend: Recommended for 5 to 12 year old
Registration Fee: $23.41
Registration Link: ActiveRH
Location: David Dunlap Observatory (DDO), In Person
Organized by: RASC, Toronto Centre
For more details, visit rascto.ca.
Final Thoughts
March 2025 is a dream month for skywatchers, with two major eclipses, planetary alignments, and the start of spring skies. Whether you’re watching the Blood Moon, catching the partial solar eclipse, or exploring local astronomy events, there’s no shortage of cosmic wonders to enjoy.
Mark your calendars, grab your gear, and prepare for an unforgettable month in the night sky over Toronto!
by Ryan Howse-Hackl
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