lunar eclipse
YEONGCHEON, South Korea, Sept. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — In the early hours of Monday morning, more than 70 stargazers huddled on a damp lawn outside Bohyeonsan Astronomical Science Museum to witness a spectacle unseen in three years: a total lunar eclipse.
The total lunar eclipse made news in North Korea as well. On Sept. 8, Korean Central Television reported that the phenomenon was observed across the country in the early morning hours. (Image source: Korean Central Television broadcast)
Clouds hung over the southeastern city of Yeongcheon after a day of rain, but the full moon broke through, casting a bright glow before gradually dimming.
At 1:26 a.m., Earth’s shadow began to creep across the lunar surface, and by 2:30 the moon was fully veiled, glowing deep red in the phenomenon known as a “blood moon.” The eclipse reached its peak at 3:11 and ended just before 6 a.m.
Despite predictions of poor weather, the museum pressed ahead with the event, drawing families, students and amateur astronomers. “We worried about canceling, but miraculously the eclipse revealed itself,” said Jo Hyun-min, a staff member at the observatory.
Excited gasps rippled through the crowd as the moon darkened. “It’s so red!” one child shouted. Another marveled, “The stars are so clear tonight.”
People observing the total lunar eclipse.
For 14-year-old Im Su-jung, who attended despite looming school exams, the sight was worth the lost study hours. “It was more amazing than I imagined,” she said. A 10-year-old boy, eyes fixed skyward, added: “At first I wondered why it wasn’t red, but then it slowly turned — and it was magical.”
Parents also spoke of the eclipse as a family milestone. “My son insisted we not miss it, so I woke him at midnight and brought him here,” said Shin Soon-ho, 40.
People observing the total lunar eclipse.
According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the next total lunar eclipse visible in Korea will come in March 2026, though only its final stages will be seen. Koreans will have to wait until January 1, 2029, to once again watch the full arc of Earth’s shadow darken the moon.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
