SINGAPORE – On September 7, the captivating blood moon stole the spotlight in various parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe, but in Singapore, it played a frustrating game of hide-and-seek behind clouds.

Members of the CloudSpotting & SkySpotting Singapore group took to Facebook to share their experiences, many voicing their disappointment over the obstructive clouds. Some enterprising enthusiasts climbed to rooftops and popular viewing spots like Marina Barrage in hopes of a clearer sight.

In the early hours of September 8, the Astronomical Society of Singapore reported their attempt to observe the celestial event from Passion Wave in Marina Bay, only to find the moon perpetually hidden.

This awe-inspiring blood moon was not just another full moon; it was a total lunar eclipse that transformed September’s Corn Moon into a striking reddish hue, reminiscent of a glowing ember. The last occurrence of this phenomenon in Singapore was on November 8, 2022.

Kicking off at 11:28 PM, the eclipse reached its peak at 2:11 AM, concluding at 4:55 AM, according to data from timeanddate.com.

According to the Science Centre Singapore, total lunar eclipses happen roughly once every three to four years. During an eclipse, when the Earth perfectly aligns between the Sun and the Moon, the Earth’s shadow casts a stunning red tint over the lunar surface.

Astrophysicist Dr. Ryan Milligan from Queen's University Belfast explained that this red hue results from the way Earth’s atmosphere disperses sunlight; shorter blue wavelengths scatter away, allowing only the mesmerizing reds to be reflected.

Despite the clouds, stargazer Mr. Chai Jurn Wei managed to snap some shots at Jurong Lake Gardens during the fleeting clear moments. His captures revealed a dimmer glow of the moon, which unveiled faint stars that usually get overshadowed by the brilliance of a full moon.

While Singapore's stargazers faced challenges, others across Asia, including the Philippines, Myanmar, and Turkey, enjoyed breathtaking views of the total eclipse. Australia also bore witness to the captivating display; Sydney resident Kannan A. shared stunning photos of the blood moon set against iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

When total lunar eclipses occur, they often queue up in close succession, with the next one expected on March 3, 2026. Stay tuned, as the cosmos always has more wonders to reveal!