On March 3, people across Thailand will witness a “blood moon” total lunar eclipse, coinciding with the important Buddhist holy day of Makha Bucha. This eclipse will be visible across the western United States and Canada, Australia, and much of Central and East Asia, but not in Europe or Africa.
In Thailand, the eclipse will last from 3:44 PM to 9:23 PM local time. The Moon will enter the Earth’s outer shadow at 3:44 PM and move into the darkest part of the Earth’s shadow, the umbra, beginning a partial eclipse at 4:50 PM. Totality, when the Moon turns a deep red or “blood red,” will occur from 6:04 PM to 7:02 PM, offering the best viewing opportunity.
After totality, the Moon will return to a partial phase before exiting the umbra at 8:17 PM and clearing the outer shadow by 9:23 PM. Skywatchers nationwide will be able to observe the total phase of the eclipse for approximately 39 minutes, followed by the partial and penumbral stages.
The public can safely observe the eclipse with the naked eye, according to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT). A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth aligns between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow across the lunar surface. This causes the Moon to glow a deep red or orange, the phenomenon known as a “Blood Moon.”
Makha Bucha Day falls on the full moon of the third lunar month and commemorates the spontaneous gathering of 1,250 monks to hear the Buddha’s teachings at Veluvana in India more than 2,500 years ago.