Lunar Eclipse for Chinese New Year

Thailand was one of few countries where this phenomenon could be viewed. The moon covered the sun when it was at its highest at about 30-40 degrees east. This phenomenon was visible until the sun had completely set. The south of Thailand was the area where the

Lunar eclipse was visible for the longest period. It was approximated that the lunar eclipse started a little earlier than four pm all the way through to six pm. The eclipse was reported to be clearest at around five pm.

Thailand will have the chance to view this phenomenon again on Wednesday 22nd September 2009. The eclipse will also be visible in India and China. The Lunar Eclipse will be visible between 7 – 9 am. The Lunar eclipse on the 22nd will not be as visible as the one seen on the 26th of Jan because of the predicted cloud and rain.

The next four Chinese New Year Lunar Eclipses will occur in the years of 2018, 2026, 2027, and 2028. They will however, not be visible in Thailand. The Lunar Eclipse that will be visible for view in Thailand will take place again on the 26th January 2047.

The Lunar eclipse was given equal revered importance in Pattaya as with other regions in Thailand. The Banglamung temple held a religious rite for the local people to attend. People who attended this event prayed along with the monks in hopes that the rites will bring them luck in the near future. The monks at the temple revealed that according to Buddhism astronomy, this Lunar Eclipse does not happen very often. This is a significant event and we were one of the few lucky countries to witness it. This is an auspicious sign and we must pray and cherish this unforgettable experience. The monks believe that this phenomenon will bring good luck, not only to those who attended the ceremony but also to the land that we live in.