An eclipse will transform the moon into something truly terrifying: The Blood Moon. This dramatic color change occurs due to sunlight passing through our atmosphere, giving the lunar surface its characteristic reddish tint and turning the Moon red.
This term gained momentum when people discussed a series of four lunar eclipses between 2014 and 2015 that was known as a lunar tetrad.
1. Every 2 years
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes through Earth’s shadow and appears a dull red or orange color, commonly referred to as a “blood moon.” The next total lunar eclipse will take place on January 31, 2019, which also marks a supermoon event as its size and brightness increase beyond normal expectations.
John Hagee and Mark Biltz popularized the term blood moon in 2013 by asserting that four consecutive lunar eclipses that coincided with Jewish holidays — without partial eclipses intervening — revealed an end-times prophecy from Scripture such as Acts 2:20 or Revelation 6:12. They coined this phenomenon “lunar tetrad.”
Lunar eclipses occur several times annually, yet it’s rare for one to coincide with harvest moons and supermoons at once – something which happened on September 28, 2015. Furthermore, all four events occurred simultaneously for only the fourth time ever!
When a lunar eclipse turns red, this is caused by sunlight being bent and refracted through Earth’s atmosphere and reflecting off of its surface, giving the Moon an eerie red hue that only occurs during total lunar eclipses; partial or penumbral eclipses do not feature red Moons.
Next lunar eclipse with supermoon and blood moon will occur on April 10, 2022, however this event won’t be visible from North America but will still be visible from parts of Africa and Asia. There are many things you can do to prepare and view a lunar eclipse, including using a solar filter; so be sure to plan for and view this special event if you want to witness it; you won’t be disappointed! The Moon is truly amazing celestial object worth keeping an eye out for; whether red or not, its beauty cannot be rivalled! Hopefully this rare lunar eclipse occurs this week!
2. Every 3 years
One reason that lunar eclipses appear reddish is because sunlight that would normally reach the Moon is blocked by Earth’s atmosphere and only red-tinged rays from the Sun can penetrate it; these emit red hues when scattered through atmospheric channels and thus give rise to its familiar coppery red hue.
Lunar eclipses may appear red for multiple reasons. One reason may be due to dust or ash particles from volcanic eruptions or other sources clinging to the Moon’s surface and creating an eerie blood-like hue, often referred to in popular media as a “blood moon”, though astronomers do not use that term officially.
An additional reason that lunar eclipses appear red occurs during total lunar eclipses when the Moon passes completely through Earth’s shadow. At this momentous occasion, its surface is entirely blocked from direct sunlight by Earth’s umbra; yet some indirect light still reaches it via reflection off Earth’s atmosphere and bathes it with reddish hues.
Most lunar eclipses appear red when they’re part of a four-total lunar eclipse sequence within two years – known as a lunar tetrad – caused by how Sun, Moon and Earth align with one another. The initial eclipse often takes place around Passover or Sukkot and shortly afterwards its companion will come around again.
Religious significance aside, Blood Moons hold significant religious significance and become highly anticipated events. Unfortunately, though, their red coloration is mere chance and should not be taken too seriously as a reason to celebrate an eclipse!
Remember, too, that the Red Moon in Bloodborne is no real phenomenon or portent of impending doom; rather it’s simply an unfortunate coincidence that twice after this month’s eclipse the Moon will turn dull red in appearance.
3. Every 4 years
An eclipse can turn the Moon a coppery red or brown hue, earning itself the moniker “blood moon.” A total lunar eclipse occurs when Sun, Earth, and Moon align so perfectly that Earth’s shadow covers every inch of surface area of Moon; sunlight refracting through atmospheric properties on this cosmic body creates the color change seen as blood moons.
Lunar eclipses occur frequently, though it’s less often that a lunar eclipse turns red during one. Although solar and lunar eclipses sometimes co-occur within close succession, rarely it happens that often. The next blood moon will occur on Sept 17; to observe it safely you must be free from pollution or dust particles.
Mark Biltz and John Hagee recently popularized the term “blood moon” through their claims that four lunar eclipses that occurred from 2014-2015, known as a lunar tetrad, was an indicator of end times. Their theories stemmed from Joel chapter two which states that sun will become darkened before Jesus returns and moon become blood red before this occurs; also coinciding with Jewish holidays furthered this speculation about biblical prophecy being fulfilled.
Astronomers have concluded that lunar tetrads are no more than an ordinary series of lunar eclipses that happen to coincide with religious holidays, with their frequency differing depending on century.
If you’re curious about lunar eclipses, a great place to begin your studies is with an astronomy planisphere. This tool lays out the sky for you and helps pinpoint when and where a lunar eclipse will happen – making it essential for anyone just starting out observing the night sky! You can find one online like Amazon or visit a stargazing store near you for assistance.
4. Every 5 years
Media reports often refer to lunar eclipses with reddish hues as “blood moons”, specifically when all three bodies, Sun, Earth, and Moon, are aligned perfectly and completely covert the Moon entirely into an eclipse arc – known as total lunar eclipse. When entering its final stage of totality the Moon turns copper or reddish-brown hue – hence earning itself its nickname of the “blood moon”
Lunar eclipses occur regularly but not annually; when one does happen, it occurs when the Moon passes into an umbra region of Earth’s atmosphere that blocks out direct sunlight from reaching its surface but does permit some light through which provides its unique reddish hue, giving the Moon its blood-like appearance.
Blood moons feature not only reddish-hued Moons but also appear smaller than usual due to Earth’s shadow encasing more area of the Moon during this phase. A blood moon should not be confused with penumbral lunar eclipse, which doesn’t result in its surface turning red but is far less common.
Last time a blood moon occurred was September 2015, and its next appearance is not scheduled until 2032. There will, however, be another lunar tetrad in 2024-2025.
John Hagee made a lunar tetrad famous by suggesting it is an indicator of end times, drawing upon a verse in Joel to support this claim. According to him, these lunar eclipses should become common before Jesus returns and be taken as signs from above.
Many misconceptions persist regarding this event, yet none need be worried about. Rumors about a blood-red moon are completely baseless and due to misinterpretation of astronomical events by individuals.