The red color is caused by the same physical process that creates red sunrises and sunsets—.
Throughout history, the Blood Moon's ominous appearance has inspired diverse cultural interpretations: Bloody Moon
: As sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, shorter wavelengths (blue and violet) are scattered away by gas molecules. The red color is caused by the same
: The remaining longer wavelengths (red and orange) are bent, or refracted, around the Earth's edges and projected onto the Moon. A "Blood Moon" is a non-scientific term for
A "Blood Moon" is a non-scientific term for the striking reddish-orange hue the moon adopts during a . This phenomenon occurs when Earth positions itself directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow (the umbra) across the lunar surface. The Science: Rayleigh Scattering
: The exact shade of crimson can vary based on dust, smoke, or volcanic ash in our atmosphere; more particles typically lead to a deeper, darker red. Cultural & Mythological Significance