On average, total lunar eclipses take place once or twice every year and the most recent one was popularly known as a blood moon due to its red tint. It was the fourth in a series that occurs every two years known as lunar tetrads.
Though its name suggests otherwise, a blood moon does not involve vampires or werewolves; it’s simply caused by sunlight being diverted elsewhere.
How does a blood moon happen?
Simply stated, a blood moon occurs whenever there is a total lunar eclipse – something which happens once every couple years in most locations on Earth. People typically refer to such eclipses when their reddish hue becomes evident – as “blood moons”.
An eclipse occurs whenever the Moon moves into Earth’s shadow and appears reddish or brownish because direct sunlight is blocked by Earth’s atmosphere; however, some reflected light still reaches it, creating a reddish or brownish tint on its surface.
The term blood moon isn’t strictly scientific, but has become popularly known to describe a total lunar eclipse. Although there are various explanations as to why the Moon appears blood red or brown during an eclipse, one widely accepted theory holds that its coloration results from sunlight being refracted through Earth’s atmosphere and being scattered back onto itself by reflection off other surfaces such as ocean surfaces.
On a blood moon night, the Moon travels through the umbra of Earth’s shadow, completely blocking direct sunlight from reaching its surface but allowing indirect rays through Earth’s atmosphere to still reach it and create its signature reddish or brownish color – giving rise to its nickname as the “blood moon.”
Even though it doesn’t compare with solar eclipses in terms of spectacle and drama, total lunar eclipses remain remarkable astronomical events to experience and witness. Furthermore, they don’t occur nearly as rarely; according to estimates there are approximately three total lunar eclipses each calendar year and four every decade.
If you’re curious to witness the next blood moon, its viewing can occur either March 13 or 14, depending on where you reside and time zone. As it won’t last more than an hour-and-a-half, no special equipment will be needed – simply keep an eye out for any weather forecasts which might obscure visibility of this event!
What is a blood moon?
As soon as the Moon is eclipsed, its appearance changes drastically to reveal an amazing deep coppery red hue due to sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere and being filtered before reaching the Moon.
When this occurs during a lunar eclipse, the Moon is commonly referred to as a blood moon – not an official term but widely used to describe this rare celestial event. The next such blood moon will occur on March 14 2025.
People use the term blood moon for good reason – it’s an impressive sight and provides an intriguing way of explaining what’s taking place. But where did this term originate?
In 2013, the phrase ‘blood moon’ first made an appearance after four full moons with total lunar eclipses occurred back-to-back, prompting religious preachers to interpret this phenomenon as an indication that humanity may soon end and prompting many others to research this eerie phenomenon and examine biblical prophecies surrounding it.
Therefore, the term ‘blood moon’ became a buzzword across media reports and social media posts, with media outlets exaggerating this notion that this event signaled the end of world as predicted in biblical prophecies. Unfortunately for them though, nothing happened and eclipses continued their course as normal.
On Tuesday will be a lunar eclipse – and second Blood Moon of 2019. Plus it is the last blood moon for three years so be sure not to miss this event!
At this lunar eclipse, the Moon will be visible across parts of North and South America as well as Australia, New Zealand and Asia for approximately an hour during its totality phase.
If you cannot attend an event live, there are numerous websites that stream it so that you can still experience its thrills from wherever you may be in the world.
This lunar eclipse coincides with Mars, the planet of strength; Jupiter brings good fortune; and Saturn provides stability. Therefore, now is an excellent opportunity for hard work as well as self-care and emotional healing.
When is a blood moon?
Astronomy enthusiasts worldwide recognize that lunar eclipses are truly spectacular sights. This celestial event occurs when the Moon passes into Earth’s shadow and becomes reddened, hence earning it its nickname of blood moon. While there are various types of lunar eclipses, blood moon refers specifically to total lunar eclipses.
Total lunar eclipses occur when the Moon becomes completely subsumed within Earth’s dark umbra (shade). This causes sunlight to pass through Earth’s atmosphere and be refracted by dust and gases before being refracted further by being blocked directly by direct sunlight, giving it its bloody hue.
Full lunar eclipses usually last about an hour and a half and are visible on all four continents, and this week’s Total Lunar Eclipse, known as a Super Wolf Blood Moon, will be its last for three years since November 2022’s Beaver Blood Moon started what’s known as a lunar tetrad based on Bible prophecies that the Sun and Moon would turn black and red before Jesus returns again.
Blood Moons are breathtaking astronomical events; unfortunately they only occur every so often; in fact, the next one won’t occur until March 13th 2025!
Although lunar eclipses may be rare, solar eclipses occur more frequently. They typically happen twice each year on average and there are three total solar eclipses every 200 years.
Blood moons have long been used as an astronomical tool to forecast weather. When the Moon is in its penumbral phase of a solar eclipse, its light is brighter and more reflective, making it easier for meteorologists to assess conditions on Earth due to being closer to its horizon than when in its penumbral phase.
How do I see a blood moon?
Star-gazers around the globe will witness what astronomers refer to as a Super Flower Blood Moon tonight, visible for much of North America, South America, Europe, Australia and the Pacific region. Although it may be challenging for everyone depending on location, weather conditions or other factors to view the event directly, there are ways you can ensure you won’t miss it: here are three strategies.
If you can’t make it outside, there are numerous websites offering livestream coverage of the eclipse for you. Many of the same sites that provided video coverage of last year’s total lunar eclipse will do the same this time around – you can watch from any location with access to an Internet connection! Simply pick your website of choice, select an option that meets your needs best and prepare yourself for a night of lunar spectacles!
Use your favorite telescope or binoculars to observe the eclipse – just make sure to use eyepieces that correspond with your equipment, as well as follow all safety instructions for optimal viewing! For more information about watching it in person visit your local astronomy society or observatory’s website.
A blood moon refers to the reddish appearance of the Moon during a total lunar eclipse, often called a Bloody Moon but not strictly scientific term. A total lunar eclipse causes it to turn red due to passing through Earth’s shadow; direct sunlight from reaching it cannot reach it directly but instead bends around atmospheric structures and gives off light which gives its surface an eerie red hue that gives this effect its name.
This phenomenon only happens once or twice every year – the next blood moon won’t come until 2025; however, we do have several partial lunar eclipses scheduled this year that can help build anticipation for such an event.
An eclipse occurs only when the Sun, Moon and Earth line up perfectly in a straight line – when this occurs either the Moon passes between Sun and Earth (solar eclipse) or its shadow falls directly onto it (lunar eclipse). A total lunar eclipse can only take place during full Moon events.