zaro

Why is the Moon red today?

Published in Lunar Eclipses 1 min read

The Moon is red today because of a total lunar eclipse where the Earth is positioned between the Sun and the Moon.

During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. However, some sunlight is refracted (bent) and filtered through the Earth's atmosphere.

The "Blood Moon" Effect

  • Refraction: As sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, it bends.
  • Scattering: Blue light is scattered away by the atmosphere, similar to why the sky appears blue.
  • Red Light: Red light, with its longer wavelength, is less scattered and more easily passes through the atmosphere. This red light is then projected onto the Moon's surface.

This phenomenon causes the Moon to appear reddish or orange, often referred to as a "blood moon." The intensity of the red color can vary depending on the amount of dust and clouds in Earth's atmosphere. A cleaner atmosphere results in a brighter, more vibrant red color, while a dustier atmosphere can lead to a darker, more muted shade.

In summary, a red Moon indicates a total lunar eclipse where the Earth's atmosphere filters and refracts sunlight, projecting a reddish hue onto the lunar surface.