Malaysia to experience partial lunar eclipse this Sunday

SHAH ALAM - The public, especially astronomy enthusiasts, will have the opportunity to witness the phenomenon of a partial lunar eclipse on Sunday.

The National Planetarium announced that the phenomenon can be observed from 3.35am to 4.52am when the moon is covered by the Earth's umbra shadow.

"Although the eclipse begins earlier at 2.01am the effect will not be visible yet because it is still covered by the Earth's less dark penumbral shadow.

"The eclipse effect remains visible from 3.35am until it reaches its maximum at 4.14am and ends at 4.52am.

"Starting at 4.52am, the moon will go through the penumbral phase again, and the eclipse will end completely at 6.26am.

"When the eclipse reaches its maximum, about 12 per cent of the moon is still covered by the Earth's umbra shadow," according to the statement.

The agency also announced that the Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry will hold a programme for observing the 2023 partial lunar eclipse at the National Planetarium, starting at 10pm tomorrow.

The free programme allows visitors to see two planets, Jupiter and Saturn, before observing the partial lunar eclipse early on Sunday.

"The National Planetarium is also cooperating with the Star Finder Astronomy Association to provide telescope facilities to the public to observe the partial lunar eclipse.

"For those who are unable to visit the National Planetarium, images of the partial lunar eclipse will be broadcasted through a live stream on the National Planetarium's Facebook and YouTube pages.

"The visibility of this phenomenon depends on the weather conditions at the observation location," it said.