Why in news?
On the night of 7–8 September 2025, people across India observed a total lunar eclipse known as a “blood moon”. Social media and science forums buzzed with photographs of the Moon appearing coppery red. The event sparked curiosity about why the Moon changes colour during an eclipse.
Understanding the phenomenon
A blood moon occurs when the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. Instead of going completely dark, the Moon turns reddish because Earth’s atmosphere scatters blue wavelengths of sunlight and allows red light to pass through and refract onto the Moon. The colour and brightness depend on atmospheric conditions such as dust, pollution or volcanic aerosols.
Key points
- The term “blood moon” is colloquial; scientists call it a total lunar eclipse. It is different from a solar eclipse because it is safe to observe with the naked eye.
- Totality can last from a few minutes to more than an hour. During September 2025 the eclipse was visible from India for several hours in the early morning hours.
- Redder eclipses may signal higher amounts of dust or volcanic ash in the atmosphere, making them useful for studying Earth’s environment.
Cultural significance
Across cultures, lunar eclipses have been linked to myths and rituals. In India they are often considered auspicious or inauspicious, leading some communities to observe fasting or special prayers. Modern astronomers view them as natural celestial events and encourage safe public viewing.