TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Not all phases of the total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, will be observable in Indonesia. In West Java, for example, according to the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the lunar eclipse will be visible around 6:03 PM WIB (Western Indonesian Time). "In general, regencies and cities in West Java will experience the beginning of the eclipse at the beginning of the total eclipse phase," said Teguh Rahayu, Head of the BMKG Bandung Geophysical Station, Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Several areas in West Java that will be first to experience the total lunar eclipse are Subang, Garut, Sumedang, Singaparna, Tasikmalaya, Majalengka, Indramayu, Sumber, Ciamis, Kuningan, Parigi, Cirebon, and Banjar, starting at 6:03 PM WIB. Meanwhile, in other locations, the total lunar eclipse will be visible at 6:33 PM WIB (Western Indonesian Time), or at the peak of the eclipse, such as in Bandung, Pelabuhan Ratu, Bogor, Depok, Cibinong, Bekasi, Cianjur, Karawang, and Purwakarta.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth's shadow covers the Moon. This phenomenon results from the dynamic movement of celestial bodies and only occurs during the full Moon phase, and its timing can be accurately determined through astronomical calculations. During a total lunar eclipse, the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned in a perfect straight line. The Moon appears to turn red, often called a Blood Moon.
In 2026, there will be four eclipses: two lunar eclipses and two solar eclipses. The annular solar eclipse on February 17th cannot be observed from Indonesia, as will the total solar eclipse on August 12th and the partial lunar eclipse on August 28th.
Meanwhile, the total lunar eclipse on March 3rd can be observed in Indonesia. This total lunar eclipse is associated with a similar event on February 21, 2008, and the next one will be associated with the total lunar eclipse on March 13, 2044.
The Bandung Geophysical Station team plans to observe the total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026, from 2:30 PM to 9:30 PM WIB (Western Indonesian Time) from the roof of the office building. Observations will be made using a computerized telescope integrated with information technology.
During the observation, the brightness of the moonlight will be recorded by a detector mounted on the telescope, which will automatically track the Moon's position. The data will then be sent to a server at the BMKG headquarters, where it will be stored and disseminated online worldwide through the BMKG website.
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, moonrise in Bandung will be at 6:03 PM WIB. Based on BMKG forecast data, the weather at the observation location will potentially be cloudy from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM WIB.
Read: 9 Exciting Night Sky Events in March 2026
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia to Observe Total Lunar Eclipse on March 3, 2026
16 jam lalu
The total lunar eclipse occurs when the sun, moon, and earth are all aligned, according to BMKG.
Indonesia's Bosscha to Observe and Live Stream Total Lunar Eclipse
23 jam lalu
The Bosscha Observatory is preparing to observe a total lunar eclipse on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from Lembang, West Bandung, Indonesia.
How to Watch the March 3 Total Lunar Eclipse in Jakarta: Times and Tips
1 hari lalu
The upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse is particularly special as it is the only one occurring this year and will not occur again until December 31, 2028.
Rare Blood Moon to Rise Over Sydney in March Eclipse
7 hari lalu
Following last year's blood moon, another total lunar eclipse will paint Australia's night sky in an eerie reddish glow this March.
Total Lunar Eclipse in March: Science Centre Singapore Hosts Free Viewing
18 hari lalu
On March 3, a rare total lunar eclipse will unfold over Singapore's skies, and Science Centre Singapore will host a free viewing session.
These Are Bosscha Observatory's Total Lunar Eclipse Reports in Indonesia
8 September 2025
Observatorium Bosscha operates a network of 22 observation points, ensuring clear observations of the lunar eclipse even in cloudy conditions.
When and Where to See Today's Total Lunar Eclipse in Indonesia
14 Maret 2025
According to the BMKG, four eclipse events are scheduled for 2025, including the total lunar eclipse today, March 14, 2025.
Total Lunar Eclipse to Grace Mid-Ramadan Skies on March 13-14
26 Februari 2025
This lunar eclipse can be observed in various regions around the world, especially in North and South America, which will provide the best view.
Jakartans Flock Taman Ismail Marzuki for Total Lunar Eclipse
8 November 2022
People flocked the courtyard of Jakarta Theater in Taman Ismail Marzuki, South Jakarta, today afternoon to witness the total lunar eclipse.
BMKG Confirms Upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse on 8th November
2 November 2022
BMKG confirmed that the total lunar eclipse can be observed from Indonesia on November 8, 2022.
