Blood Moon on September 7: 10 facts that make this lunar eclipse different

A Blood Moon is the popular name for a total lunar eclipse. It occurs when the Earth passes directly between the sun and the moon.

The moon appears red because of sunlight that is filtered and bent by the Earth’s atmosphere, casting a reddish glow onto its surface.

The red colour is caused by a phenomenon called Rayleigh scattering, which allows only the red and orange wavelengths of light to pass through.

During the eclipse, the moon is fully inside the Earth’s umbra (the darkest part of its shadow), which is what gives it the distinct look.

The shade of red can vary significantly. It can range from a bright orange to a dark, deep crimson, depending on the Earth’s atmospheric conditions.

The amount of dust, clouds, or volcanic ash in the Earth’s atmosphere affects the colour and brightness. A cleaner atmosphere results in a brighter and redder moon.

Despite its dramatic appearance, a Blood Moon is a natural astronomical event. Ancient cultures sometimes viewed it as a negative omen, but it is purely scientific.

Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse is safe to view directly with the naked eye. You do not need any special glasses or equipment to watch it.

A Blood Moon is visible to anyone on the night side of Earth, unlike a solar eclipse, which can only be seen from a small and specific area. In India, it will be visible from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and Chandigarh

In some spiritual traditions, a Blood Moon is seen as a powerful time for new beginnings. It is often associated with themes of rebirth and renewal.

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