Blood Moon Dazzles Stargazers Across Asia, Europe, and Africa
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By Invented Reporter | HONG KONG – 2025/09/08 10:36:28
Stargazers across Asia, parts of Europe, and Africa were treated to a remarkable “blood moon” during a total lunar eclipse.
The phenomenon,where the sun,Earth,and the moon align,causes the Earth’s shadow to cast an eerie,deep red hue on the moon,captivating observers for millennia.
Asia, including india and China, enjoyed prime viewing of Sunday’s total eclipse. It was also visible on the eastern edge of Africa and in western Australia.
The total lunar eclipse spanned from 17:30 GMT to 18:52 GMT.
European stargazers caught a glimpse of a partial eclipse as the moon rose in the early evening. The Americas, however, missed the event.
Why Does the Moon Turn Red?
“That’s what gives the moon its red, bloody color.”
According to Ryan Milligan, an astrophysicist at Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Ireland, the moon’s reddish appearance during lunar eclipses is due to sunlight being “reflected and scattered thru the Earth’s atmosphere”.
He explained to the AFP news agency that shorter blue wavelengths of light are more easily dispersed as they travel through Earth’s atmosphere.
Unlike solar eclipses, which require special glasses or pinhole projectors for safe viewing, lunar eclipses only need clear weather and a good vantage point.
The last total lunar eclipse occurred in March of this year, with the one before that in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What causes a blood moon?
- A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse when the earth’s atmosphere scatters sunlight, allowing red light to reach the moon’s surface.
- Do I need special equipment to view a lunar eclipse?
- No, unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are safe to view with the naked eye. Clear weather and a good viewing spot are all you need.
- How frequently enough do lunar eclipses happen?
- On average, lunar eclipses occur about every 2.5 years.
