‘Blood-red Moon’ Total Lunar Eclipse Coincides With Loy Krathong Festival in Thailand

People from all over the world may see a blood-red moon in the sky tonight. In Thailand, the total lunar eclipse will occur at the same time as the lighting of floating lanterns during the annual Loy Krathong festival. 

According to a Facebook post by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand on Nov. 6, the blood-red moon is expected to appear over Thailand around 5:44 PM and will remain visible until 6:41 PM. It will last for about 57 minutes and then gradually exit the Earth’s shadow. The lunar eclipse will end at 8:56 PM.

Those interested in witnessing this phenomenon may visit the four main observation points across Thailand, namely Sirindhorn Astronomical Park, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province, the Chalerm Phra Kiat observatories in Nakhon Ratchasima, Chachoengsao, Songkhla.

The next appearance of the blood-red moon will occur after three years on March 14, 2025, the NASA reported on Oct. 13.

The total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon lines up with the Earth’s umbra or the darkest region of the planet.

“When the Moon is within the umbra, it will turn a reddish hue. Lunar eclipses are sometimes called ‘Blood Moons’ because of this phenomenon,” NASA added.