A special night awaits as the full moon of the first lunar month coincides with a total lunar eclipse for the first time in 36 years. This spectacle, where the moon is completely covered by the Earth’s shadow and turns red, is set to occur on the night of March 3rd.
The Gimhae Astronomical Observatory, operated by the Gimhae Culture and Tourism Foundation (CEO Choi Seok-cheol), announced on the 25th that it will host an observational event called ‘Red Full Moon Night’ on March 3rd, the day of the full moon.
This day is particularly special as it marks the first time since 1990 that a total lunar eclipse will occur on the full moon of the first lunar month. A total lunar eclipse is when the moon enters entirely into Earth’s umbra, causing it to transform into a red hue. According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the total eclipse will begin at 8:04 PM and the partial eclipse will end at 10:17 PM.
It is expected that the entire process of the eclipse will be observable from Korea. At the Gimhae Astronomical Observatory, visitors can observe the lunar changes through telescopes from the partial eclipse to the start of the total eclipse and its peak.
In addition to observing the full moon, the event will feature various programs such as smartphone astrophotography, live streaming on a large outdoor screen, and commemorative badges. The outdoor plaza will provide a large screen, allowing everyone to comfortably enjoy the spectacle.
Lee Hyun-kyu, a representative of the Gimhae Astronomical Observatory, stated, “A total lunar eclipse coinciding with the full moon of the first lunar month is a very rare astronomical phenomenon. We have prepared this event to provide citizens with an unforgettable experience of the night sky. We hope this will be a meaningful time to inspire interest in science by observing the moon’s changes firsthand with family.”
The observation event will run from 7 PM to 9:40 PM on the 3rd and will operate on a reservation basis through the Gimhae Astronomical Observatory’s website. A total of four sessions will accommodate up to 70 participants each. The participation fee is 4,000 KRW for adults, 3,000 KRW for teenagers, and 2,500 KRW for children. However, the event may be canceled depending on weather conditions.