Phuket stargazers treated to full lunar eclipse tonight

PHUKET: Residents and tourists with clear skies over their heads tonight will be treated to an astronomical phenomenon – literally.

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) earlier today announced through its website that a total lunar eclipse will be visible – weather permitting – across Thailand.

The eclipse will start at 1:22am and the moon will be plunged into the full darkness of the Earth’s shadow from 2:22am to 4:03am.

The spectacular show will be over by 6:01am.

Tonight’s total lunar eclipse – lasting one hour, 40 minutes and 52 seconds – will be the longest since July 16, 2000, which lasted one hour and 47 minutes.

The phenomenon will be broadcast through NARIT’s website from 0:30am to 5:30am.

The next total lunar eclipse will occur on December 10 this year.

Assistant Professor Dr Sakchai Phetchuai, physics lecturer at Phuket Rajabhat University, told the Phuket Gazette that all stargazers are welcome to join the Sky Club at the university campus to enjoy the event.

Although the eclipse can be seen with the naked eye, Dr Sakchai said that telescopes and binoculars, some of which will be available at the Sky Club, are recommended for better viewing.

— Pimwara Choksakulpan