Total lunar eclipse visible in Malaysia on 3rd March
Malaysians are in for a rare celestial event as another ‘blood moon’, or total lunar eclipse, will be visible in the night skies.
The total lunar eclipse can be viewed at its peak on 3rd March 2026 at 7.33pm in the Malaysian skies, according to the Malaysian Space Agency.
Here’s how you can catch the elusive lunar eclipse that occurs every one to three years.
When to see the blood moon in Malaysia?
Image credit: Fred Espenak
According to the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA)’s Instagram post, this total lunar eclipse will start at 7.23pm and end at 10.23pm on 3rd March.
The agency shared that most states in Peninsular Malaysia might have difficulty viewing the blood moon as the skies are still relatively bright during the peak of the total lunar eclipse. For observers in Sabah and Sarawak, conditions are more favourable: the earlier moonrise means it will appear at a higher angle, making the phenomenon easier to spot.
The agency also noted in the post that the lunar eclipse sequence is easily visible to the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope, provided the weather is clear.
Here are the full phases of the lunar eclipse, as shared by MYSA:
- Moonrise during eclipse starts: 7.23pm
- Maximum eclipse starts: 7.33pm
- End of total eclipse starts: 8.02pm
- End of partial eclipse starts: 9.17pm
- End of penumbral eclipse starts: 10.23pm
Where to see the blood moon in Malaysia?
Image credit: @BFM News via X (formerly Twitter)
While the blood moon will be visible from anywhere in Malaysia, certain locations across the country offer more optimal viewing angles.
The National Planetarium in Kuala Lumpur will be opening its doors to visitors from 5pm till 10pm on 3rd March for serious moon-gazers wanting to experience the celestial occurrence in person. There’ll be talks, fun quizzes, and also telescopes to use and view the skies at a closer distance.
The planetarium is also welcoming those who are observing Ramadan to break fast together at their venue, with prayer and iftar spaces for visitors.
Image credit: Planetarium Negara via Facebook
If you are unable to watch the blood moon for yourself, you can tune into the National Planetarium’s live stream on their Instagram or Facebook.
Blood moon visible in Malaysia on 3rd March
This’ll be your last chance to witness a total lunar eclipse until the next one, which will occur in 2028. The moon will be glowing in a reddish hue, so make space in your schedule on the evening of 3rd March if you’d like to experience seeing the phenomenon in its full glory.
Cover image adapted from: @NewsBFM via X (formerly Twitter)