Blood Moon Facts: Details On Total Lunar Eclipse Explained

A total lunar eclipse is sometimes called a 'Blood Moon'.

It is called a 'Blood Moon' because the full Moon looks red from Earth. It is also believed that a blue light fills the night sky as the total lunar eclipse takes place four times in a row.

This means there are four total lunar eclipses. The phenomenon looks enticing and is beautiful to look at. The full Moon gains colors and looks magnificent. A lunar tetrad takes place when four lunar eclipses occur within a span of two years. As people still continue to believe in superstition, many families perform rituals and keep pregnant women and children indoors when the eclipse takes place. This, however, varies from one culture to another and is different for every region. This fantastic-looking Moon has several facts and scientific studies devoted to it.

After reading the essential aspects of total eclipse, you must also check out Europa Moon facts and Charon Moon here at Kidadl.

Blood Moon Phenomenon

As the Moon passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, the Earth’s shadow blocks the path of sunlight and causes the first total lunar eclipse. The Moon’s surface does not receive direct sunlight. A fully eclipsed Moon gives out a red-orange light, which looks much like the Earth's sunrises.

The 'Blood Moon' phenomenon takes place only when the sun's rays are blocked from reaching the Moon’s surface because of the Earth’s shadow. The Blood Moon phenomenon continues till the Moon passes from the Earth's shadow. Not all areas of the Earth’s surface can view the total lunar eclipse properly. Some regions of southern Chile, eastern Russia, the Pacific islands, east Asia, eastern Australia, and western China are mostly the ones from where the total lunar eclipse can be seen.

A partial eclipse may sometimes turn into a full eclipse. A blue light hue fills the sky as the full Moon turns red. It is commonly said that a total eclipse must not be viewed with the naked eye as it could cause damage. An eclipse occurs when the Earth and the Moon coincidentally collide on the same plane. A partial eclipse occurs when the earth and the Moon collide on the same plane.the Earth’s shadow falls on the half-Moon. A total lunar eclipse takes place when the Earth fully covers the moon from the sun’s light.

Blood Moon Significance

According to the Blood Moon prophecy in Joel, it is believed that a Blood Moon marks the beginning of the very end. It is seen as a sign of the coming of the apocalypse. According to astrologers, the lunar eclipse serves to bring deeper understanding within ourselves, elevating our minds to the highest power. However, not all astronomers are keen on this idea.

What the Blood Moon does to humans has been explored through the traditional beliefs of diverse cultures. According to Hindu customs and traditional stories, lunar eclipses occur because Rahu (demon) consumed the potion of immortality, soon after which the Sun and Moon gods beheaded him. Rahu wanted revenge and therefore chased both of them. It is believed that whenever Rahu is able to catch the gods, people on Earth experience an eclipse. It is because of this that Indians prefer to keep their food and water covered during the Lunar Eclipse, and pregnant women are not allowed to eat in order to keep the unborn baby safe.

Stigmas related to the eclipse are not only prevalent in India but are also found in other regions of the world. For instance, the ancient Mesopotamians believed that a lunar eclipse was like a direct attack on their ruling king, and therefore, on every lunar eclipse they set up an imposter on the king’s throne to protect the real ruler.

The Batammaliba people of Africa, especially those residing in Toga and Benin, saw the lunar eclipse as a conflict between the two celestial beings, the Sun and the Moon. They saw the eclipse in a positive light. It was viewed as a period when all people could try and resolve their conflicts and promote harmony among themselves.

In Islamic culture, this period is marked by intensive prayers as a show of respect and devotion to Allah.
 

Blood Moon Of 2021 Details

The Blood Moon 2021 took place at the beginning of November 19, 2021. There were several locations from where people reported seeing the super Blood Moon or the Red Moon.

The red light was clearly visible to people in North America, southern Chile, eastern Russia, the Pacific islands, east Asia, east Australia, and western China. South America witnessed a fully eclipsed Moon.

It was reported that the Moon entered Earth's shadow for the longest duration in this century. As the Moon passes through the total lunar eclipse and moves away from the Earth’s atmosphere, the Moon’s orbit is changed again and the planes of Earth and Moon separate to mark the end of the partial or total lunar eclipse.

Next Blood Moon

Over the years, there have been several blood Moons. Every year, there are at least one to two Blood Moons or lunar eclipses.These may be partial lunar eclipses or full lunar eclipses.

Usually, a Blood Moon lasts for about 107 minutes. The Moon turns into a Red Moon because of the scattering of light. Red Moons are a real phenomenon, studied across countries. As the researchers are still conducting their research, it is hard to specifically state how many such Red Moons are left to appear.

It is estimated that the next Blood Moon will be visible on May 22 2022. Although this date may change, there is a huge possibility of there being a lunar eclipse next year. When the Moon’s orbit overlaps with that of Earth’s, the lunar surface becomes red. This phenomenon occurs during different time periods within the solar system.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Blood Moon facts: details on total lunar eclipse explained then why not take a look at 19 interesting '60s cars facts for kids: all about classic muscle cars, or 21 note-worthy 2016 Olympic facts for kids that love Rio games.