Toronto-area sky watchers will be treated to one of the brightest lunar eclipses since the 80s -- if the weather cooperates.
The lunar eclipse will be visible in Toronto on Sunday, Sept. 27 starting at 8:11 p.m., and ending shortly after 1 a.m. on Monday, according to NASA.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and moon, and the Earth's shadow covers the surface of the moon. The total eclipse, when the moon is completely covered by Earth's shadow, will take place from 10:11 p.m. to 11:23 p.m.
The next total lunar eclipse will be in January 2018, according to NASA data. The next supermoon lunar eclipse will not be until 2033.
Though the eclipse will be bright enough to be visible even in the heart of the city, those keen on getting the full effect can head to areas of low light pollution for the best possible view.
An online light pollution map shows bright spots in areas around Toronto, Mississauga, Hamilton, Oshawa and Barrie, but there are pockets of low pollution just outside the cities' boundaries.
In the east, travel north of Highways 7 and 407 for optimal viewing near Pickering and Oshawa. In Markham, space enthusiasts should have a clear view just north of Major MacKenzie Drive.
In York Region, there are pockets of lower light pollution west of Bathurst Street and east of Woodbine Avenue. There are also lower light levels northwest of Vaughan, past Weston and Teston Roads.
Those who live in Peel Region are best to travel north of Brampton and Caledon, and for those in the Hamilton area, the light pollution thins north of Dundas.
Those in the city can try large local parks, like Trinity-Bellwoods or High Park, where there is less of a glow from streetlights and tall buildings. A park along the waterfront, like Tommy Thompson or Scarborough Bluffs, may offer a better view of the meteors as pollution thins over the lake.
Residents and visitors of the city can look up the least polluted areas of the city online.
As of Thursday night, Environment Canada predicted clear skies in the Toronto and Hamilton areas during the eclipse.
If you can't get outside, but have access to the Internet, NASA will provide a livestream of the supermoon starting at 8 p.m.
