KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8, 2025 — Nearly 500 enthusiasts gathered at the National Planetarium late Saturday night to participate in its Observation Programme, hoping to witness the rare spectacle of a total lunar eclipse—commonly referred to as a “blood moon.” While visionary skies proved elusive due to overcast conditions, attendees were still treated to a subtle penumbral eclipse visible through telescopes.
The event, which drew families, aspiring astronomers, and curious observers, officially began at around 9 pm, with the penumbral phase becoming perceptible at approximately 11:30 pm. National Planetarium director Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor explained that a penumbral eclipse occurs when the Earth’s shadow casts a gentle dimming over the moon’s surface—a phenomenon best observed using a telescope pointed east.
Among the crowd was Norazura Mohd, a mother of two who described her experience as an invaluable early exposure to science for her children. “My second child is very interested in astronomy,” she shared. “Even though we didn’t get to see the blood moon, they were thrilled to observe the penumbral eclipse through the telescope. Experiences like this spark curiosity and inspire learning.”
Similarly moved was 27-year-old Farisha Azmira Mohd Naim, who traveled from Meru, Klang with friends upon learning about the programme via the Planetarium’s social media. Though the celestial event remained obscured, she said, “I’m still very satisfied to have experienced this atmosphere with the public. It felt like getting closer to the universe created by God.”
Organisers set up five telescopes across the viewing area, one of which enabled live digital broadcasts via the Planetarium’s social media platforms. These efforts were complemented by insights from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), represented by its deputy secretary-general for Science Planning and Culture, Ruziah Shafei, who attended the event.
Mohd Zamri added that the eclipse sequence commenced at 11:28 pm, reached its peak around 2 am, and was expected to conclude by 4:55 am. He noted that lunar eclipses unfold through defined stages—starting with penumbral, through partial and total phases, before winding down again in reverse order.
For those who came with anticipation, the evening was more than just a skyward gaze—it was a communal moment of scientific wonder, curiosity, and connection to the cosmos, even under cloud-softened skies.
Source: Bernama
