A remarkable and rare phenomenon in the skies occurred this weekend, the so-called “blood moon.” The name is intuitive and refers to the reddish hue the moon takes on during a specific lunar eclipse, causing awe in those privileged enough to witness the event. The phenomenon could be observed from various locations in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Of course, in a time when access to cameras is within easy reach, many photographs were captured, both by amateur and professional photographers.
What is the so-called “blood moon”?
Events like this, both natural and visually striking, have the ability to spark curiosity and, to some extent, scientific interest in understanding their cause. While the rare scene is appreciated, many wonder: Why and how does this event occur?
The term may sound dramatic, but as we’ve already said, it’s appropriate to describe an event caused by a quite natural process. A “blood moon” occurs during a total lunar eclipse, when the Sun, Earth, and Moon align precisely. At this moment, the Earth’s shadow covers the Moon, and the sun’s rays that reach it pass through Earth’s atmosphere first. This simple detail creates the reddish effect, unlike any natural event we witness in our daily lives.
The science behind the reddish glow
One might think the explanation for this event is complex, but it’s actually quite simple: Earth’s atmosphere more easily scatters short-wavelength blue light, allowing the orange and red hues of the sun’s rays to pass through more intensely. Thus, the Moon, seen from below, takes on a fiery appearance. The phenomenon occurs whenever the moon, sun, and Earth align and has intrigued humanity for thousands of years, often recorded in ancient cultures as a sign of omens or cosmic transformations.
Nowadays, understanding the causes and even being able to predict when it will happen, the event is a visual reminder of the existence and grandeur of space, as well as being a demonstration of human understanding of celestial events.
Where was it possible to observe the eclipse
The best view of the eclipse was recorded in Asia, especially in countries like India and China, where clear skies contributed to a better visual experience. It was also visible in parts of East Africa and Western Australia. In Europe, some people managed to see a partial phase early in the evening.
The eclipse lasted about an hour and twenty minutes, occurring between 5:30 PM and 6:52 PM GMT. During this span of just 82 minutes, numerous images were captured, which were shared by thousands of people on social media, expanding the event’s reach beyond those in privileged locations.
Unlike solar eclipses, which usually require eye protection, observing a lunar eclipse is safe and harmless. The only requirement is a clear sky, and to further enhance the viewing experience, it’s recommended to stay away from the light pollution that’s common in large cities. Binoculars and home telescopes help to zoom in on the details of the lunar surface, but they’re not essential.
How to follow a phenomenon like this
Although it’s not as frequent, the wait for a new “blood moon” eclipse won’t be that long. The next one will occur in 2026, with some partial eclipses possibly occurring earlier. For those interested, simply follow the astronomical calendars published by astronomy institutions and observatories.
It’s interesting to stop and think that the same phenomenon can be observed simultaneously in different places around the world. The “blood moon” eclipse can be interpreted by those who believe it as a sign of good or bad omens, while for others it is simply a concretization of a scientifically studied phenomenon. Regardless of what type of person you are, the visual impact of this event is undeniable and deserves to be appreciated.