BANGKOK, THAILAND – On 3 March a rare total lunar eclipse was visible over Thailand, briefly turning the full moon into a brick-red disc.
Rare celestial alignment
According to NARIT, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, the total eclipse took place on 3 March between 3:44 p.m. and 9:23 p.m. local time. The phase after moonrise was reported to have been particularly easy to observe.
In Bangkok, the moon rose above the eastern horizon at around 6:23 p.m. and appeared as a brick-red full moon until about 7:02 p.m. The sight, often referred to as a Blood Moon, drew attention because of its intense colour.
Viewing conditions and best times
The phase of totality, during which the moon lay completely in Earth’s shadow and appeared deep red, lasted about 39 minutes, according to NARIT. After this, the eclipse remained visible as the shadow gradually moved away from the lunar surface.
The event ended at around 9:23 p.m., when the Earth’s shadow had fully left the moon. Observers across the country were able to follow the transition from totality back to a normal full moon.
Astronomical background and tradition
A lunar eclipse occurs only at full moon, when the Sun, Earth and Moon align and the Earth casts its shadow onto the lunar surface. In this configuration, sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere gives the moon its characteristic red hue.
Although the moon orbits the Earth once a month, an eclipse does not happen at every full moon. This is because the lunar orbit is tilted by about five degrees relative to Earth’s orbital plane, so the moon often passes above or below the planet’s shadow.
Viewing tips and NARIT’s role
For observation, NARIT recommended open areas with an unobstructed view to the east, such as elevated rooftops, viewpoints or coastal sections. Buildings and trees could block the low-rising moon and limit the experience.
The institute warned that dense cloud cover or rain could restrict visibility, even though the astronomical timing and visibility zones had been calculated precisely in advance. Weather therefore remained the critical factor for skywatchers.
Public watch events across Thailand
NARIT set up five main observation stations, including the Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark in Mae Rim district, Chiang Mai. Additional regional observatories in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chachoengsao, Songkhla and Khon Kaen also hosted public viewing sessions.
From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., visitors could follow the total lunar eclipse on Makha Bucha night and observe other celestial objects. Admission was free and the programme was supplemented by live broadcasts on NARIT’s Facebook and YouTube channels.
Watching the Blood Moon
On the evening of 3 March, the full moon turned deep red for around 39 minutes, creating a rare natural spectacle that coincided with the Buddhist holiday Makha Bucha. The overlapping of a major religious day with such a striking sky event drew additional public interest.
“Will you watch the event live? Or will you rely on photos and livestreams? Do you know good spots with an unobstructed view to the east? Write in the comments where you are watching the Blood Moon.”
said The Nation, inviting readers to share their experiences of the eclipse.