Total Lunar Eclipse on 3 March 2026: Aceh Residents Can Observe Final Three Phases
A rare astronomical phenomenon—a total lunar eclipse—will grace Indonesia’s skies on Tuesday, 3 March 2026. Although the Aceh region will be unable to witness the initial phases through to the peak of the eclipse due to the moon’s position not yet having risen, the BMKG Aceh Large Geophysics Station confirmed that residents of Serambi Mekkah (Aceh) will still be able to enjoy the beauty of this phenomenon during its final three phases.
The head of the BMKG Aceh Large Geophysics Station, Andi Azhar Rusdin, explained that when the moon emerges on Aceh’s eastern horizon, the eclipse will already be entering the final phase of totality.
“All of Aceh can observe this total eclipse, but under clear weather conditions and with an unobstructed view of the eastern horizon,” he stated in Banda Aceh on Monday, 2 March.
According to official BMKG data, the following three phases can be visually observed from all regions of Aceh: the final stages of totality, the beginning of the partial phase, and the conclusion of the eclipse.
The phenomenon, commonly referred to as the “Blood Moon,” occurs when the sun, earth, and moon are positioned in a straight line. Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere undergoes Rayleigh scattering, allowing only the red spectrum to reach the moon’s surface, creating an exotic reddish appearance.
Aceh residents can observe the final phases of this eclipse with the naked eye without special equipment, provided skies are clear and the view towards the eastern horizon is unobstructed by buildings or trees.
Given that this phenomenon coincides with the holy month of Ramadan 1447 AH, the Ministry of Religious Affairs urged Muslims to perform the lunar eclipse prayer, known as Shalat Khusuf (the eclipse prayer). This act of worship is a highly recommended sunna muakkad as a form of contemplation on God’s creation.
Residents are advised to conduct observations in areas with minimal light pollution. In addition to performing the eclipse prayer, Muslims are also encouraged to increase recitations of dhikr, supplication, and charitable giving during this natural phenomenon.
For those unable to view directly due to weather conditions, BMKG also provides a live streaming service accessible through the official website gerhana.bmkg.go.id.
BMKG also reminded fishermen to always pay attention to the latest weather forecasts before heading out to sea and to refrain from activities if conditions are deemed risky.