A to-the-minute breakdown of tonight's glowing red eclipse over Toronto

The Moon will glow red over Toronto skies on Thursday night for a rare partial lunar eclipse, and this is one celestial event you can watch without having to fiddle with any eye protection. 

A partial lunar eclipse is set to cast over 96 per cent of the Moon in shadow, leaving an otherworldly red glow that is shaping up to be a spectacular sight.

And, according to Time and Date, Toronto residents won't even need to stay up late to see the first stages of the eclipse transform the night sky.

For anyone hoping to catch this natural wonder for themselves tonight, here's a minute-by-minute breakdown of everything you need to know to view this celestial event in its full glory.

9:23 p.m.

The fun will begin at 9:23 on Thursday night with the official start of the penumbral eclipse, where the Earth's shadow (known as the penumbra) reaches the Moon's face.

10:33 p.m.

Seventy minutes later, the partial eclipse stage will begin, and onlookers will begin to notice the Moon taking on a shade of red.

12:12 a.m.

The peak of the eclipse will occur just after midnight on Friday morning, when the Moon comes closest to the centre of its shadow and will glow a brilliant shade of red.

1:51 a.m.

The partial eclipse phase will come to a close just before 2 a.m. on Friday, though the event won't quite be over at this stage.

3:01 a.m.

The penumbral eclipse will draw to a close as the Earth's penumbra passes over the Moon.

Toronto can expect partial clouds overnight Thursday, and if the weather cooperates, you might have a great opportunity to capture the Moon aglow in red tonight.