Bangkok: Witnesses across Thailand marveled at a total lunar eclipse, also known as a blood moon, visible to the naked eye from 3:44 PM to 9:23 PM. This event coincided with Makha Bucha Day, adding a celestial spectacle to the cultural celebration.

According to Thai News Agency, the eclipse began around 6:23 PM, with the moon appearing brick-red from sunrise until 7:02 PM. The total duration of the blood moon phase was 39 minutes. Following this, observers witnessed a partial lunar eclipse and a penumbral eclipse until the phenomenon concluded. The eclipse was visible across Thailand and many parts of the world, including eastern Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, and other regions.

A lunar eclipse occurs when the moon orbits the Earth and passes into its shadow, an event influenced by the moon's 5-degree orbital tilt. On average, lunar eclipses happen at least twice a year. The next lunar eclipse visible in Thailand will be a partial one on the night of July 6, 2028, with the next total lunar eclipse expected on New Year's Eve 2028.

The term "blood moon" refers to the red hue seen during a total lunar eclipse. This occurs because while the sun's light is blocked, some sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere. Blue light is scattered, leaving red light to reflect off the moon's surface, giving it the characteristic brick-red color.

In Thai culture, lunar eclipses are linked to the legend of Rahu, a demon believed to swallow the moon. Traditionally, people would make loud noises to scare Rahu into releasing the moon, and even today, some follow rituals for protection and good fortune. Despite these beliefs, a blood moon is simply a natural phenomenon.