What is a super blood moon?
A super blood moon is a rare astronomical event that occurs when a total lunar eclipse coincides with the moon being at its closest point to Earth in its orbit, known as perigee. This makes the moon appear slightly bigger and brighter than usual, earning it the nickname “supermoon.”
During a total lunar eclipse, the moon passes fully into Earth’s shadow, taking on a reddish hue from sunlight filtering through our atmosphere – hence the “blood” moon. A super blood moon is therefore a visually stunning celestial treat for skywatchers.
How often do super blood moons occur?
Super blood moons are quite rare, occurring just 4-5 times per century on average. The last super blood moon visible from Earth took place on September 27, 2015. The next one isn’t expected until May 26, 2021.
After that, super blood moons will occur on:
– October 8, 2033
– March 14, 2036
– September 7, 2040
– March 25, 2043
– September 17, 2050
– March 14, 2060
– September 10, 2070
So while lunar eclipses themselves are relatively common, averaging 2-3 per year, the specific alignment needed to create a super blood moon doesn’t happen very often.
Why are super blood moons so rare?
Super blood moons occur so infrequently because they rely on the coincidence of two separate lunar events – a total lunar eclipse and a supermoon.
For a total lunar eclipse to happen, the moon must be fully immersed in Earth’s dark central shadow, known as the umbra. This requires precise alignment between the sun, Earth and moon.
Meanwhile, a supermoon occurs when a full or new moon coincides with perigee, the closest point to Earth in the moon’s elliptical orbit. This makes the moon appear up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon.
For both events to occur simultaneously, the moon has to be at perigee exactly during a total lunar eclipse. The chances of this happening are slim.
How long does a super blood moon last?
While the moon is in Earth’s shadow during a total lunar eclipse for several hours, the period when it appears truly red – and earns the “blood moon” descriptor – is much shorter. This blood moon phase typically lasts just 20-40 minutes.
The entire eclipse event, from the moon entering the penumbra (light outer shadow) to completely emerging from the umbra, can last 3-5 hours.
So despite being a rare and fleeting phenomenon, super blood moons are easily visible to the naked eye when they do occur. You just need clear skies and to be on the night side of the Earth to catch a glimpse.
Where can you see the next super blood moon?
The visibility of a super blood moon depends on your geographic location. The upcoming May 26, 2021 super blood moon will be visible from Australia, parts of the western US, western South America, or Southeast Asia.
In the US, you’ll need to be on the west coast or in Hawaii, Alaska or the Pacific Islands to see the full event. For eastern US locations, the moon will be setting just as the eclipse is getting started.
When a super blood moon isn’t visible from your area, there are often livestreams online from ideal vantage points around the world. Virtual access makes it possible to take in the awe-inspiring sight no matter where you are.
Are super blood moons visible with the naked eye?
Absolutely! Provided the sky is clear of clouds and you have an unobstructed view to the west, super blood moons can be seen with the naked eye. No special equipment is needed, unlike for solar eclipses which require protective eyewear.
For the best experience, head to a dark sky location away from bright city lights. Allow your eyes some time to adjust to the darkness. Dress warmly, lay back, and enjoy the incredible free lunar show playing out from moonrise to the end of totality.
What causes the moon to turn red during a total lunar eclipse?
The blood moon’s red coloring is due to sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere and becoming refracted or bent. Shorter wavelengths like blue and violet scatter away, while longer wavelengths on the red end of the visible light spectrum pass straight through.
This red-hued light shines onto the moon’s surface during a total lunar eclipse, making it appear a deep, rusty, eerie red, almost as if the moon is bleeding. Different atmospheric conditions can affect the shade and intensity of the red color.
The more dust or clouds in Earth’s atmosphere during the eclipse, the redder the moon will appear. No two blood moons look exactly the same!
Are super blood moons linked to natural disasters?
There is no scientific evidence of a correlation between super blood moons or eclipses in general, and increased risk of natural disasters, conflicts, or other notable events happening.
While eclipses were once viewed as omens, we now understand them as normal astronomical events that occur in predictable cycles. They are not harbingers of catastrophes.
That said, the striking visual effect of an eclipse may have inspired awe or anxiety in ancient peoples who lacked our modern understanding of science and astronomy. But there is nothing to suggest they actually affect events on Earth in a physical sense.
Can you see a super blood moon with binoculars or a telescope?
For an even closer and clearer view, observatory-grade telescopes or binoculars can reveal dazzling lunar details during the total eclipse. With binoculars, you may even spot some stars near the moon that are normally washed out by lunar glare.
As the earth’s shadow moves across the moon’s face, surface features like craters and mountains become illuminated in vivid red and brown hues through the optics. It’s a breathtaking sight.
Just be sure to avoid looking through binoculars or telescopes as the moon is entering or exiting the earth’s shadow, as the focused light can damage your eyes.
How to photograph a super blood moon
Capturing the super blood moon with a camera requires some specialized gear and techniques:
– Use a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a telephoto lens of at least 300mm focal length. This will let you zoom in close.
– Mount the camera on a sturdy tripod. You’ll need a long exposure and hands-free stability.
– Use manual mode and settings like a wide aperture, high ISO, and exposure times between 1/25 – 1/2 seconds.
– Experiment with compositions, including close-ups of the moon and wider landscape shots.
– For close-ups, focus on infinity. For landscape shots, use a narrower aperture for sharp focus.
– Shoot a sequence of photos as the eclipse progresses to highlight the color change.
– Review your images on a large screen and adjust your approach as needed. Patience and persistence pay off.
With the right equipment and techniques, you can produce awe-inspiring photos of this rare and dazzling celestial event.
Are super blood moons mentioned in religious texts?
Yes, descriptions of bloody-looking moons are found in several religious traditions and texts:
– In the Bible’s Book of Joel, it describes “the sun will turn into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.” This is thought to refer to lunar eclipses.
– In Hindu mythology, the god Rahu is said to occasionally consume the moon, turning it red. Customs like fasting or chanting during an eclipse are meant as offerings to Rahu.
– In ancient Mesopotamia, Sumerians believed eclipses meant the moon god Sin was troubled. They would lament and fast to earn Sin’s favor again.
– Some Islamic traditions view solar and lunar eclipses as deeply meaningful spiritual events to be pondered and meditated on.
While not usually harbingers of doom, eclipses carried symbolic meaning for many ancient cultures. Their vivid descriptions capture the dramatic visual impact.
Do super blood moons affect zodiac signs?
No, super blood moons have no particular effect on zodiac signs and were not used in formulating astrological principles.
In astrology, the moon’s phases and movement through the zodiac are highly significant in influencing human affairs. But blood moons occur due to astronomical alignments unrelated to these factors.
While a blood moon eclipse may give people pause and invite reflection on life priorities, it does not portend major changes to astrological forces. The moon continues its regular cycles and trajectories regardless.
However, some astrologers look at eclipses as symbolic of shifts, beginnings and endings on a spiritual level. ThisPerspective sees eclipses in general as a time to focus inward and release the old to make way for the new. But the effects are metaphysical, not physical.
Conclusion
In summary, super blood moons result from the rare alignment of a total lunar eclipse and a supermoon. They occur just a few times per century, making them a truly dazzling sight.
While not physically dangerous or linked to disasters, super blood moons can carry cultural and spiritual symbolism about the awe-inspiring mysteries of the universe. These celestial events invite reflection and appreciation for the cosmos we inhabit.
So if you get the chance to witness the mystical sight of a blood-red supersized moon in the coming years, take a moment to feel a connection to the cosmos. Just don’t worry about wild doomsday prophecies – simply enjoy the splendor in the sky!