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canadian space agency

A Canadian Is Going To The F***ing Moon, Guys

That's one small step for man, one giant leap for Canada, eh? For the first time, a Canadian astronaut will take part in a NASA mission around the Moon. The astronaut, Jeremy Hansen, is one of four who will lead Artemis II, the second in a series of three lunar missions whose goal is to lay the groundwork for an enduring human presence on Earth's natural satellite.

Artemis II won't include a lunar landing. It will be a test flight of NASA's Orion spacecraft, which is specifically designed for moon missions. According to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), Artemis II will orbit Earth twice before zipping around the moon and using its gravity to "slingshot around the back side and return to Earth."

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A SpaceX Rocket Is Bringing Canadian Tech To The Moon & It Launched Early This Morning

Despite Elon Musk's antics over on Twitter, which have been keeping many internet users busy for weeks, the aerospace company he founded has its sights set a little higher than social media. SpaceX's most recent launch of a Falcon 9 rocket took place on December 11 at 2:38 a.m., taking with it two Canadian technologies, according to a recent press release.

The new technologies include a 360-degree imaging system, apparently strengthened by the use of AI, designed to "withstand the harsh lunar environment." Two rovers, one from the U.A.E. and the other Japanese, will be posing for pictures taken by the new Canadian imaging system as they are deployed onto the Moon's surface.

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A Total Lunar Eclipse Will Be Visible Across Quebec Today (CORRECTION)

A 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart' — oops, a total lunar eclipse will light up the skies on Tuesday, November 8 and you can get a front-row seat to the astrological phenomenon right here in Quebec.

The magic will occur on November 8 and marks the second total lunar eclipse of 2022. Montrealers looking to set their sights on the blood moon moment can do so starting at 3 a.m.* as the penumbral eclipse begins.

The full total lunar eclipse will be visible as of 5:16 a.m.* EST on November 8 and will end at 6:41 a.m.* — so mark those calendars, 'cause you don't wanna miss it.

What is a total lunar eclipse?

According to the Canadian Space Agency, a total lunar eclipse occurs when Earth is completely between the Moon and the Sun. The magic moment can only happen during a full moon when it's on the opposite side of Earth to the Sun.

Lunar eclipses can be seen by an entire hemisphere, which isn't the same for solar eclipses — this way a "much large number of people can see them for a longer period of time."

Depending on the Moon's trajectory, three types of lunar eclipses are possible: a penumbral eclipse, partial eclipse and total eclipse, which is when the Moon completely crosses Earth's umbra, the Canadian Space Agency states.

How can you see a total lunar eclipse?

A full moon is necessary for a total lunar eclipse to be visible. According to the Canadian Space Agency, November's total lunar eclipse will go through all three stages and last between "30 and 60 minutes".

Luckily, you don't need any equipment to observe the phenomenon. However, binoculars or a small telescope can allow you to see more details, the Space Agency says. You can even snap a shot with your smartphone under the right circumstances — that's just how visible it can be!

No special eye protection is necessary either; as it's totally safe to observe a lunar eclipse with the naked eye.

When is the next total lunar eclipse?

The next total lunar eclipse won't occur until the night of March 13 to 14, 2025, the Canadian Space Agency states. However, you will still be able to spot a few other types of eclipses till then.

  • October 14, 2023 — Partial solar eclipse (Canada-wide)
  • Night of October 28 to 29, 2023 — partial lunar eclipse (Eastern and northern Canada)
  • April 8, 2024 — Total solar eclipse (southern Ontario, southern Quebec, Atlantic provinces)
  • Night of September 17 to 18, 2024 — Partial lunar eclipse (Canada-wide)

*Editor's note: A previous version of this article listed incorrect times for the lunar eclipse on November 8. The article has been updated with the correct information.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

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Montreal's Planetarium Is Hosting A Free Night Sky Gazing Event With Telescopes In May

Montreal's Rio Tino Alcan Planetarium is throwing a free "AstroFest" on May 7 with free outdoor activities all day long — including an opportunity to view celestial bodies in the night sky with a telescope.

AstroFest kicks off at 11 a.m. with an array of information booths, workshops, presentations, and arts and crafts activities that sound like they might be more family-oriented.

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