O’ Lonesome Moon — “The Blood Moon”
Wondered why the Moon turns red during total lunar eclipse? Do you believe in the evil and bad omen brought by “the Blood Moon”? Read further to know the science and poetry behind “The Blood Moon”…
On the 27th July 2018, half the world (maybe even more), including me experienced the most beautiful phenomenon of the century: the longest total lunar eclipse, also commonly known as the “Blood Moon”. This view combined with the closest approach of Mars in 15 years was a treat to every sky watcher's eye. So do you know why an eclipse occurs? Let me take you back to your high school physics/ astronomy lessons. The word “eclipse” has its roots in the Latin word “eclipsis”, a derivation from the Greek “ekleipsis”, which means “to obscure”. Faithful to its meaning, an eclipse is an astronomical phenomenon that occurs when the source of light for a celestial object is blocked by another celestial object. Except for the stars, like our Sun, no other celestial object, our moon inclusive, can emit light of their own. The planets and the Moon reflect the Sun’s light as well as cast shadows, much like when you place an object near a lit candle in a dark room. You might also remember from your high school lessons that all planets in our solar system revolve around the Sun in their respective paths or orbits. Our moon revolves around the Earth along its designated orbit as well. Having said that, sometimes the Sun, the Earth and the Moon may align with each other. When this happens, an eclipse takes place.
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light falling on the Earth. Due to the smaller size of the Moon compared to the Sun as well as the Earth, this is only visible to certain parts of the world inside the shadow cone. On the other hand, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon. The lunar eclipse occurs only during a full moon and is visible from over half of the world, depending on the weather conditions and various other factors. Total lunar eclipses can occur only when the Earth, the Sun and the Moon are perfectly in line. Because the Moon’s orbit is slightly angled and in a different plane compared to the Earth’s, total lunar eclipses do not occur on every full moon, but only three to four times per year.
Ya, so the Moon falls into the Earth’s shadow and an eclipse occurs. But what’s the fun in that? If you are thinking this, then let me amaze you. When a total lunar eclipse occurs, the Moon might turns red or coppery colored. And this is why it is commonly called the “Blood Moon”. Do you know why this occurs? Let me give you some time to guess…
No idea?
Alright, I am going to tell you why this occurs. You would be surprised that you have already heard of this phenomenon before, but have forgotten. So, when the Moon falls into Earth’s shadow, some light from the Sun passes through the Earth’s atmosphere. This light is bent towards the Moon because of a phenomenon called Rayleigh’s scattering. Our atmosphere is made of many particles including dust particles which scatter light. Again, going back to high school physics lessons, you would remember that light consists of a spectrum of different colors. When light passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, red color passes through easily while the other colors are scattered by the particles. It is this red light falling on the Moon that causes its red color during a total lunar eclipse. Let’s just say that our atmosphere acts like a filtration system and the red light is the least affected by this filtration process.
Numerous myths and folktales have associated the “Blood Moon” with evil and malevolence. Many ancient civilizations interpreted the red coloring of the Moon as a bad omen. Even during modern times, certain cultures interpret lunar eclipses to be a bringer of ill fortune and some others prophesy doom of mankind. To me and maybe to some others, the term “Blood Moon” by itself has a beautiful poetic meaning, however this term can indeed be quite misleading. Maybe the following poem written by me could help you see the poetry in it:
Afar, from the tide-kissed shores
Rises a fair-faced maiden in all glory.
In a dramatic moment, the bright-faced beauty
Dripping blood, oozing red
An eerie silence, a mystical howl
Mystifying those beneath, gloating her pompous grandeur.
Christened the “Blood Moon”
Triumphing over none! Prophesy doom!
A deception so uncanny, beauty beneath veiled.
O’ lonesome Moon,
Strong, steadfast, dauntless, valiant
Climbing above horizon, above trees, above the towering peaks.
Hours elapsed, the climb ended
Beauty unveiled, united with ’em.
A camaraderie seldom spoken, the Moon and her shimmering mates.
O’ lonesome Moon,
No! Not lonely, not ’lone!
The fair-faced maiden, gloating her pompous grandeur once more!
So now that you know why the Moon changes its color during a total lunar eclipse and the poetry in “The Blood Moon”, spread the knowledge around and enjoy the next total lunar eclipse.
