What is a “Blood Moon”?
HOUSTON – A “Blood Moon” is the nickname for a total lunar eclipse, when the Moon turns a deep red or copper color. This happens when Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the Sun’s direct light and casting a shadow on the lunar surface.
Even though the Moon is fully in shadow, it does not disappear. Instead, it glows red because sunlight is filtered through Earth’s atmosphere before reaching the Moon.
Why does the Moon turn red?
Earth’s atmosphere acts like a filter for sunlight. Shorter wavelengths of light, like blue and green, scatter in many directions. Longer wavelengths, like red and orange, bend through the atmosphere and continue into Earth’s shadow.
That red light is what illuminates the Moon during totality…