March Madness in Toronto Skies: Lunar Eclipse and Saturn's Rings appear to disappear
Director of York U’s Allan I Carswell Observatory available to speak to media on astronomical events
TORONTO, Mar. 11, 2025 – This month, the Allan I Carswell Observatory at York University is looking forward to not one but two special celestial events. Director Elaina Hyde is available to speak to media on the significance of these events, best times and places for viewing and public viewing opportunities. The observatory also invites members of the public to join them for their Wednesday night viewing sessions.
Thursday March 13: Total Lunar eclipse, visible across Canada
Eclipses on Earth come in two main sorts, lunar and solar eclipses. Lunar eclipses occur when the Moon moves into Earth's shadow: Sun-Earth-Moon. Starting on March 13 just before midnight going into the 14th, a total lunar eclipse will occur and will be visible across the entire country.
“This lunar eclipse is truly an event for everyone,” says Hyde, also an associate professor in the Faculty of Science, Physics and Astronomy department. “Since this eclipse is a large event, covering the entire moon, it does not need any special equipment to be able to see it – you can view it nearly anywhere if the skies are clear, However, you will always get a better show if you can get out to a park or dark sky site.”
The Observatory will be posting images from across Ontario, as well as a livestream, clear skies permitting.
Sunday March 23: The disappearing and reappearing rings of Saturn
In an event called a “ring plane crossing” Saturn's famous rings, one of the most popular views in all of astronomy, will appear to disappear starting on March 23. “Saturn's rings are very thin compared to the planet itself,” explains Hyde. “The rings will be very close to exactly aligned to Earth in an 'edge on' position, since both Earth and Saturn have a tilt to their planetary axis.”
Hyde says the rings will slowly start to become visible again in April.
Hyde is available to speak on:
- Lunar versus solar eclipses
- The relative rarity of these cosmic events, how and where to view them
- Safety tips
- What astronomers will be looking out for
- Why scientists believe Saturn’s rings really will disappear one day
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About York University:
York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for success. York's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.
Media Contact: Emina Gamulin, York University Media Relations, 437-217-6362, egamulin@yorku.ca
