Blood Moon

01.03.2025

Blood Moon

Why in the news?   

A total lunar eclipse, or blood moon, will light up the sky on March 14 and will be visible in most parts of the world.

About Blood Moon:

• It happens when Earth's moon is in a total lunar eclipse.
• Depending on external factors such as atmospheric conditions and light pollution, the moon, during a blood moon phase, may appear red, orange, or copper-coloured.
• This year’s phenomenon will occur during daytime in India, thus won’t be visible in the country but will be visible in America, Western Europe, Western Africa, and the North and South Atlantic Ocean.
• This total lunar eclipse marks its return after nearly three years––the last one occurring in 2022.

How does it occur?

• A blood moon occurs when Earth comes directly between the Sun and the moon.
• A process called Rayleigh scattering causes the moon to appear red instead of dark.
• This happens because shorter-wavelength light (blue) is scattered, while longer-wavelength red light passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, making the moon appear red.
• During totality, “the entire Moon falls within the darkest part of Earth’s shadow, called the umbra.
• When the Moon is within the umbra, it appears red-orange.” This colour shift is what earns the event its nickname, the “blood moon.”

                                                         Source: Indian Express

Consider the following statements regarding Blood Moon:

1. It happens when Earth's moon is in a total lunar eclipse.

2. It is caused due to a process called Rayleigh scattering.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only

B.2 only

C.Both 1 and 2

D.Neither 1 nor 2

Answer  C