BANGKOK: A rare astronomical event, a total lunar eclipse, will take place on Tuesday (March 3), which also falls on Makha Bucha Day.
The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organisation) (NARIT) says the Moon will appear brick-red across the entire disk.
If you miss this viewing, the next one will not happen again until the New Year period, from the night of Dec 31 2028, into January 1 2029.
On Makha Bucha night, the eclipse will occur from 3.44pm–9.23pm (Thailand time, Bangkok).
In Thailand, it can be seen with the naked eye from the moment the Moon rises above the eastern horizon at around 6.23pm onwards.
The full Moon will appear brick-red, often called a Blood Moon, until about 7.02pm, lasting 39 minutes.
After that, the eclipse can still be followed until the event ends.
A lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in the same plane, with Earth between the Sun and the Moon.
It occurs only at full Moon (around the waxing 14th–15th lunar nights).
As the Moon moves through Earth’s shadow, people on Earth see the Moon gradually “bite” away until it is fully in Earth’s dark shadow, then appear “bitten” again as it exits.
In ancient Thai tradition, this was called “Rahu swallowing the Moon.”
Although the Moon orbits Earth every month, a lunar eclipse does not happen at every full Moon because the Moon’s orbital plane is tilted by about 5 degrees relative to Earth’s orbital plane, so the Moon often passes above or below Earth’s shadow.
On average, lunar eclipses occur at least twice a year, but visibility depends on geographic location.
For the best viewing, choose an open area with a clear view of the eastern horizon, without buildings or trees blocking the view, such as a high rooftop, viewpoint, or seaside location.
If the weather is unfavourable (heavy cloud or rain), visibility may be poor.
NARIT has announced five main observation points:
Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai
Regional Observatory for the Public, Nakhon Ratchasima
Regional Observatory for the Public, Chachoengsao
Regional Observatory for the Public, Songkhla
Regional Observatory for the Public, Khon Kaen
On the night of March 3, from 6pm–10pm, the public can join to watch the total lunar eclipse on Makha Bucha Day and observe other interesting celestial objects.
Entry is free, or viewers can watch a live broadcast on NARIT’s Facebook and YouTube channels. - The Nation/ANN
