It has been part of the dance between the sun and the moon for billions of years and a story passed down by indigenous peoples for generations. For the Blackfoot of Alberta, the appearance of eight phases of the moon symbolizes the passage of time. First Nations people have traditionally used the lunar calendar to mark the changing seasons, with the moon acting not only as a clock and calendar, but also as a compass. “That was all the knowledge that was used to enable us to do all the extended travel that the natives did,” said Jennifer Howse, an education specialist at the Rothney Astrophysical Observatory just south of Calgary. “That’s when you knew it was time to move on, maybe, where your berries were.” Story continues below ad

		Watch: How to watch Sunday’s rare total lunar eclipse in Alberta

Monday’s weather was far from berry season, but was expected to give way to cold clear skies early Tuesday. And astronomers do not miss the opportunity to watch space in motion. “This movement is constantly happening in space – around us and it causes the Earth to have seasons – all of that. But when you watch an eclipse it’s like they’re happening right in front of your eyes,” said Phil Langill, a professor of astronomy at the University of Calgary.

		Read more: Beaver Blood Moon: The last lunar eclipse of 2022 will take place on November 8

The peak of the eclipse is expected to last 86 minutes. During this time, viewers will see the moon change color — with a blood moon on full display. “Earth’s atmosphere is a filter and Earth’s shadow is red. The moon will pass through that shadow, and that’s why it looks red,” Langille explained. It will be visible to the naked eye. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada is setting up telescopes at both Nose Hill and 64th Avenue in Calgary, and North Glenmore Park to monitor the event between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. (MST). Story continues below ad Partial Umbilical Eclipse Start: 2:09 AM The Moon enters the Earth’s shadow. Total Lunar Eclipse Begins: 3:16 AM The Moon turns dark orange or red. Greater eclipse: 3:59 am Midpoint of the eclipse. Total Lunar Eclipse Ends: 4:41 AM The Moon begins to leave the shadow. Partial eclipse ends: 5:49 am The Moon leaves the Earth’s shadow. The times at various stages of the eclipse in EST for the total lunar eclipse on November 8, 2022. (Image credit: NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio). NASA Science Visualization Studio © 2022 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.