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Malaysians will get a rare chance to witness a total lunar eclipse tonight, 3 March
According to the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), this will be the only total lunar eclipse in 2026, with the next one expected on 31 December 2028.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow that fully covers the Moon's surface and giving it a reddish hue — commonly known as a "blood moon".
MYSA said the phenomenon can be seen with the naked eye, depending on weather conditions, although binoculars or a telescope may help provide a clearer view.
This total eclipse will be visible in regions including East Asia, Australia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and Central America.
According to MYSA, the entire eclipse will last about 5 hours and 39 minutes
However, the main visible phases will span about 3 hours and 27 minutes, beginning with the partial eclipse at 5.50pm and ending at 9.17pm.
The total phase — when the Moon appears fully red — will last approximately 58 minutes from 7.04pm to 8.02pm, with the peak occurring at 7.33pm.
MYSA noted that the Moon may be difficult to spot in most parts of Peninsular Malaysia due to the still-bright evening sky
Sabah and Sarawak are expected to have better viewing conditions, as the Moon rises earlier and will be higher above the horizon.
In Kuala Lumpur, the Moon will be just 2 degrees above the eastern horizon at the peak of the eclipse.
The celestial event coincides with Chap Goh Mei tonight, adding to the festival that marks the 15th and final day of Chinese New Year, traditionally celebrated under a full moon.
