A 'Red Moon' Rises on Jeongwol Daeboreum After 36 Years... Gwacheon National Science Museum Hosts Special Total Lunar Eclipse Viewing Event

Totality Begins at 8:04 p.m. on March 3
Hands-on Event Blending Tradition and Science

A 'red moon' will rise in the night sky on Jeongwol Daeboreum (the first full moon of the lunar year) for the first time in 36 years. A special observation event will be held where families can experience both the traditional holiday and an astronomical phenomenon at the same time.

The Gwacheon National Science Museum announced on the 23rd that it will hold a special total lunar eclipse observation event on March 3, Jeongwol Daeboreum, in and around its observatory and planetarium.

This event is centered on the total lunar eclipse, during which the moon is completely immersed in the Earth's umbra. It combines public observations and hands-on programs with performances and events so that visitors can experience both the scientific significance of the phenomenon and the traditional meaning of Jeongwol Daeboreum.

Event poster. Provided by Gwacheon National Science Museum

The public observation will take place at the museum observatory, where visitors will be able to directly observe the progression of the total lunar eclipse through astronomical telescopes. They will also be able to observe a variety of celestial objects, including prominent winter constellations and star clusters.

Hands-on programs have also been prepared. Through activities such as "Moon Keyring Making," which takes the lunar surface as its motif, "Moon Drawing," where participants freely depict the moon, the "Moon Crater Creation Experience," which recreates impact marks, and "Moon Balloon Making," children and family visitors will be able to understand the characteristics of the moon easily and enjoyably.

At the planetarium and the outdoor stage, astronomy lectures and traditional musical instrument performances will be held, linking the moon with the meaning of Jeongwol Daeboreum. The venue will also feature a "Moon-gazing Zone" where visitors can relax while looking at the moon, a large moon-balloon photo zone, and a "Jwibulnori Light Painting" experience that uses trails of light. A participatory exhibition titled "N Moons," in which the moon balloons and records created by visitors become part of the exhibition, will also be held.

According to the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the totality of the lunar eclipse will begin at 8:04 p.m. on Jeongwol Daeboreum, and the partial phase will end at 10:17 p.m. It is known that this eclipse will be fully observable throughout its total phase from within Korea.

Han Hyungjoo, Director of the Gwacheon National Science Museum, said, "For the first time in 36 years, a holiday and a lunar eclipse coincide, following the total lunar eclipse that occurred at dawn on Jeongwol Daeboreum in 1990," adding, "I hope families will spend meaningful time together while reflecting on the significance of tradition."

Details of the programs and how to participate can be found on the Gwacheon National Science Museum website.