KUALA LUMPUR: The full lunar eclipse that produced a striking 'blood moon' was a rare and unique astronomical event visible in Malaysia's skies.
National Planetarium principal assistant director Nur Fazilah Mohamad Hanafiah said it was the first time during her tenure that a full lunar eclipse had coincided with the month of Ramadan.
"During my time working here, this is the first time a full lunar eclipse has occurred during Ramadan. There have been solar eclipses before but for a total lunar eclipse, this is the first," she told Bernama when met at the National Planetarium Observatory here on Tuesday (March 3).
However, she noted that the phenomenon was not fully visible in the capital due to unfavourable weather conditions.
"Although thick clouds covered the sky, visitors still had the opportunity to witness the partial eclipse phase when the cloud cover began to thin," she said.
Nur Fazilah explained that the eclipse began at 4.44pm with the penumbral phase, when the moon entered the Earth's lighter outer shadow.
The partial phase started at 5.50pm as the moon moved into the Earth's umbra, or darkest shadow, before reaching totality at 7.33pm.
"For residents in Peninsular Malaysia, the phenomenon was visible from 7.26pm. Sabah was fortunate to witness it earlier, around 6.30pm, followed by Sarawak at about 7pm," she added.
Despite cloudy skies affecting visibility at certain locations, many members of the public remained at the observatory grounds, following the event through telescopes and live broadcasts displayed on large screens.
Earlier, the Malaysian Space Agency announced that the next total lunar eclipse visible in Malaysia is expected on Dec 31, 2028.
At the observatory, visitors came prepared with food to break their fast while waiting for the celestial event. Families gathered to observe the moon through telescopes and follow the live online broadcast.
"So far, the response has been very encouraging. Many visitors have come with their families to observe the moon's movement firsthand using our telescope facilities," said Nur Fazilah.
Visitor Wan Nurhanim Wan Mansor, 44, from Seri Kembangan, Selangor, brought her family to witness the event.
Although the 'blood moon' was not fully visible due to cloud cover, she said the experience offered valuable exposure for her children.
"I wanted to expose them to real-life learning. Previously, they only watched such events on screens, but tonight they were able to experience the observatory atmosphere, even if they only saw the partial phase.
"My children have shown strong interest in this field, so I wanted them to experience using a telescope and seeing the technology here firsthand," she said. – Bernama
– ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
– ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
The blood moon above Ching San Yan Temple in Muara Tebas. – ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
