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Understanding the Blood Moon: What Causes It and the Beliefs Behind This Natural Phenomenon

Life03 Mar 2026 09:09 GMT+7

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Understanding the Blood Moon: What Causes It and the Beliefs Behind This Natural Phenomenon

Introducing the "Blood Moon" phenomenon. On the night of 3 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the moon will turn a reddish brick color. People in Thailand will be able to see this event with the naked eye. It is a natural astronomical phenomenon, not something mysterious. Thairath Online Let's deepen our understanding of what causes the Blood Moon.

What is the "Blood Moon" phenomenon and how does it occur?

The term “ Blood Moon ” is commonly used to describe the phenomenon of a "total lunar eclipse" where the moon moves into Earth's shadow. Although the sun’s light is blocked, it is not completely dark because some sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere. The blue light and shorter wavelengths scatter away, leaving red light with longer wavelengths to reach the moon's surface and reflect back to our eyes. This causes observers on Earth to see the moon as deep red or reddish brick, which is why it is called the “

Blood Moon ” or, in English, the Blood Moon. You can watch the "Blood Moon" total lunar eclipse on 3 Mar 2026. On 3 Mar 2026 GMT+7, which coincides with the full moon of the 15th lunar day of the 3rd month, a total lunar eclipse will occur. People in Thailand will clearly see the Blood Moon, or reddish brick moon, between 18:23 and 19:02.

After this, the moon will gradually move out of Earth's shadow.

Exploring beliefs about the "Blood Moon": Is it true you shouldn't leave your home? Many cultures worldwide have different beliefs about the “Blood Moon.” Some see it as a sign of major change or an omen of upcoming events. Others say you should not go outside on a Blood Moon night, but these are personal beliefs. In reality, the Blood Moon is just a natural phenomenon that can occur.

In Thai belief, the lunar eclipse is also called “

Rahu swallowing the moon ,” referring to the legend of the god Rahu who swallows the moon, causing it to disappear before it slowly reappears. Traditionally, Thai people would bang pots or pans loudly to scare Rahu into releasing the moon. While these beliefs reflect cultural views, scientifically this event is a natural astronomical alignment that can be predicted in advance, such as the total lunar eclipse or Blood Moon occurring on 3 Mar 2026.

Read more articles Total Lunar Eclipse on 3 Mar 2026: What time will it occur? Get ready to watch the “Blood Moon” on Magha Puja Day.