Taipei: A total lunar eclipse will coincide with the Lantern Festival on March 3, providing skywatchers across Taiwan with a rare opportunity to witness a "blood moon," the Central Weather Administration (CWA) announced Tuesday. The eclipse will be underway as the moon rises at approximately 5:50 p.m., with part of its surface obscured by Earth's shadow.

According to Focus Taiwan, the eclipse will span from 7:04 p.m. to 8:03 p.m., during which the full moon is anticipated to take on a dark red hue. The eclipse will reach its peak at 7:34 p.m. and will last for a total of 4 hours and 35 minutes. A lunar eclipse takes place when Earth positions itself between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that bathes the moon in a reddish-copper color during totality, as explained by the CWA.

The previous total lunar eclipse visible in Taiwan occurred on September 7, 2025. Following the March 3 event, the next total lunar eclipse fully visible from Taiwan will occur on December 31, 2028, as noted by the CWA. For those interested in observing the eclipse, no special equipment is necessary, though telescopes can enhance the viewing experience. The CWA recommends finding locations with an unobstructed eastern horizon for optimal viewing.

Additionally, a live webcast of the eclipse will begin at 5:40 p.m. on the CWA's website, providing an alternative way for people to witness the celestial event.