BLOOD MOON

Current Context: Millions across Asia and Europe are expected to witness a total lunar eclipse turning the moon blood red.

ABOUT BLOOD MOON

• A Blood Moon is when the Moon appears red/orange during a total lunar eclipse.
• Process: Earth blocks sunlight; atmosphere scatters shorter blue light, allowing red light to reach the Moon (Rayleigh scattering).
• Appearance: Can look red, orange, or copper depending on atmosphere and light pollution.

RAYLEIGH SCATTERING

• Explained by Lord Rayleigh (19th century).
• Light scatters inversely with wavelength.
• Reason sky is blue: Blue light has shortest wavelength and scatters more.