Total Lunar Eclipse to Grace Indonesian Skies on March 3, 2026
Indonesia is set to witness a captivating astronomical event: a total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026. This eclipse will be visible from all parts of the country, marking the sole lunar eclipse observable from Indonesia throughout the year.
Understanding the Total Lunar Eclipse
According to the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, blocking the Sun’s light and casting a shadow on the Moon [BMKG]. This phenomenon happens when the Moon is in its full phase and can be predicted well in advance.
How a Total Lunar Eclipse Occurs
A total lunar eclipse happens when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align in a straight line. During this alignment, the Moon completely enters the Earth’s umbral shadow. If the sky is clear, the Moon will often appear to change color to red. This reddish hue is a result of Rayleigh scattering in the Earth’s atmosphere, where shorter wavelengths of light, like blue, are scattered away, while longer wavelengths, such as red, pass through and illuminate the Moon [BMKG].
Schedule of the March 3, 2026 Lunar Eclipse (Indonesian Time)
Here’s a breakdown of the eclipse phases, based on Indonesian time zones:
- Penumbral Eclipse begins (P1): 15:42 WIT (16:42 WITA, 17:42 WIB)
- Partial Eclipse begins (U1): 16:49 WIT (17:49 WITA, 18:49 WIB)
- Total Eclipse begins (U2): 18:03 WIT (19:03 WITA, 20:03 WIB)
- Eclipse peak: 18:33 WIT (19:33 WITA, 20:33 WIB)
- Total Eclipse ends (U3): 19:03 WIT (20:03 WITA, 21:03 WIB)
- Partial Eclipse ends (U4): 20:17 WIT (21:17 WITA, 22:17 WIB)
- Penumbral Eclipse ends (P4): 21:24 WIT (22:24 WITA, 23:24 WIB)
The total duration of the eclipse, from the start of the penumbral phase to the end, will be 5 hours 41 minutes and 51 seconds. The totality phase, when the Moon is fully within the Earth’s umbra and appears red, will last 59 minutes and 27 seconds.
Visibility Beyond Indonesia
In addition to Indonesia, the total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, will also be visible from eastern America, Australia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia.
Saros Series and Future Eclipses
The March 3, 2026, Total Lunar Eclipse is designated as the 27th member of the 71-member Saros 133 series. The next lunar eclipse in this series is scheduled for March 13, 2044 [timeanddate.com].
Other Eclipse Events in 2026
While the total lunar eclipse on March 3rd is the only one fully visible from Indonesia in 2026, other eclipse events are scheduled to occur throughout the year, including a Ring Solar Eclipse on February 17, a Total Solar Eclipse on August 12, and a Partial Lunar Eclipse on August 28. However, these will not be visible from Indonesia [timeanddate.com].