Attention all astronomy enthusiasts, we have exciting news! The first total lunar eclipse of the year will be happening this month!
According to Business Today, this eclipse will be happening on 26 May and is said to be the most beautiful cosmic phenomena. This is because total lunar eclipses are also known as Blood Moon, as it appears slightly reddish-orange due to the dispersed light falling on the face of the mood (in the middle of the eclipse) from the Earth’s sunrises and sunsets.
What is a lunar eclipse?
It’s okay! We are not going to judge you for not remembering your primary school science!
During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth lines up between the Moon and the Sun. Hence, hiding the Moon from the sunlight. The Earth comes in between the Sun and the Moon and in turn, blocks the sun rays from reaching the moon in case of a total lunar eclipse.
This eclipse occurs only on the Full Moon. But with a lunar eclipse, you can stare at it with your naked eye, unlike the solar eclipse.
What is a Blood Moon?
According to NASA, the blood moon takes place in case of a lunar eclipse when the Earth comes in between the sun and the Moon to block the rays of the sun from reaching the moon.
“When this happens, the only light that reaches the Moon’s surface is from the edges of the Earth’s atmosphere. The air molecules from Earth’s atmosphere scatter out most of the blue light. The remaining light reflects onto the Moon’s surface with a red glow, making the Moon appear red in the night sky,” NASA said on its website.
Who can see this Blood Moon?
As reported by Business Today, parts of Australia, New Zealand, western United States, South America, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and parts of South-East Asia can view this celestial event.
As for us Malaysians, according to timeanddate‘s website, this Blood Moon can be visible on 26 May beginning at 7.16pm.
For those of you who don’t live in these areas but still want to catch the eclipse, you can visit the timeanddate YouTube channel to view the live feed of the lunar eclipse.
Will you be watching the eclipse? Let us know in the comment section below!
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