The Blood Moon: Nature’s Celestial Spectacle

The moon takes on a reddish hue during a lunar eclipse as seen from Silverton, Oregon. Photo By Derek Bratton

Thursday, Mar 13, skywatchers were treated to a stunning display: the blood moon. If you caught a glimpse of that eerie, reddish glow, you witnessed one of nature’s most captivating phenomena—a lunar eclipse where the moon takes on a striking crimson hue. But what exactly causes this cosmic event, and why does it leave us in awe?

A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse when Earth passes between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that blocks direct sunlight. Unlike a solar eclipse, where the moon obscures the sun, here it’s the moon slipping into Earth’s shadow. What makes it "blood red" isn’t some mystical force but simple science: Earth’s atmosphere scatters shorter blue wavelengths of sunlight while letting longer red wavelengths pass through. This filtered light bathes the moon, giving it that rusty, otherworldly tint.

The event you saw wasn’t just a pretty sight—it’s steeped in history and lore. Ancient cultures often saw blood moons as omens, linking them to prophecies or upheaval. Today, we understand the mechanics, but the spectacle still stirs wonder. Depending on atmospheric conditions (think dust or pollution), the shade can vary from a faint orange to a deep, dramatic red.

Timing matters too. Unlike solar eclipses, lunar ones are visible from anywhere on Earth’s night side, making them a shared global experience. Last night’s blood moon, peaking in the late hours, likely had people worldwide stepping outside, phones in hand, to capture the moment.

So, what’s next? Blood moons aren’t rare—expect a couple most years—but each feels special. Mark your calendar for the next one; they’re a reminder of our small place in a vast, ever-shifting universe. Did you snap a photo? That reddish glow might just be your new favorite memory of the night sky.