Two big astronomical events to be seen this week

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BANGKOK, 6 October 2014  The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand and the Thai Astronomical Society are inviting the public to watch the total lunar eclipse and sunset at the Phanom Rung castle during 7-8 October 2014. 

According to National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) deputy director Sarun Poshyachinda, there will be a total lunar eclipse on 8 October 2014, which will be the last one of this year.

The moon will start orbiting into the shadow of the earth from 3:15 pm (Thai local time). However, people in Thailand will be able to see the incident between 6:00 – 6:24 pm. The eclipse will be visible to naked eyes; the entire moon will turn brick-red. The moon will then orbit out of earth’s shadow from 6:24 pm. and completely away from the shadow from 7:34 pm.

People who wish to observe the lunar eclipse should watch in from an open ground and look toward the East. The event will be broadcast live via www.narit.or.th

Meanwhile, former president of the Thai Astronomical Society (TAS) said that there will be a spectacular sunset at Phanom Rung castle, Buriram province, on 7 October 2014. The sunset will shine through all 15 gates of the castle. The TAS will hold an event for this occasion at the Phanom Rung castle on that day. People can watch the lunar eclipse from the castle the next day (8 October), too.

This year’s 8 October also marks the end of Buddhist Lent.