Blood Moon: The Wonders Of A Total Lunar Eclipse
Blood Moon: The Wonders Of A Total Lunar Eclipse
The blood moon phenomenon was the last total lunar eclipse to be visible from the US till the year 2019, according to NASA. The blood moon is a unique celestial show wherein the earth’s shadow falls across the moon and causes its colour to change from white to shades of orange, red or brown depending upon prevailing local weather conditions. While this event was visible from Northern as well as Southern parts of America, sky watchers in other parts of the world such as Central Asia and the Middle East were not able to observe this phenomenon.
The total lunar eclipse lasted from 0706 GMT to 0824 GMT, according to NASA. The blood moon phenomenon is observed when the moon begins to start moving into the shadow of the earth. Lunar eclipses occur twice or thrice in a year when the sun, moon and earth align together so that the earth’s shadow eclipses the moon. The blood moon observed in April 2014 is part of 4 consecutive phenomena occurring this year and the next. This is known as the tetrad.
The last time a tetrad occurred was in the period between 2003 and 2004. There will be a total of 8 tetrads in the 21st century. The second total lunar eclipse is slated for October 8 this year. There will be the last 2 blood moon eclipses next year on April 4 and September 28 respectively. The origin of the phrase “blood moon” can be traced back to the Biblical prophesies about this phenomenon. A tetrad is essentially a succession of total lunar eclipses with no partial eclipses in between. Each of the blood moon eclipses are separated by six lunar months, or in other words 6 full moons.
The total of 8 tetrads in the 21st century is particularly significant. This phenomenon clashes with two important holidays namely Passover and Tabernacles. The April lunar eclipses of 2014 and 2015 are on the same time as the feast of Passover. The October 2014 and September 2015 total lunar eclipses are in line with the feast of Tabernacles. The Jewish calendar is a lunar one. Interestingly, 3 of the blood moons are not visible from Israel. Only the fourth total lunar eclipse will be visible from September 28 in the year 2015.
It is also interesting to examine the occurrence of the total lunar eclipses. In the 17th, 18th and 19th century, there was not a single blood moon phenomenon. However, in the 21st century, there are a total of 8 tetrads. From the 1st to the 21st century, there have been a total of 62 such tetrads. The next tetrad to occur after the 2014-2015 will be the 2032-2033 phenomena. The blood moon eclipse is also known as the Hunter’s moon. The lunar eclipse is a dramatic natural event. But folklore and religious texts do ascribe certain significance to them.
However, the tetrads should not be seen as the end of the world or anything apocalyptic. In fact, these are just natural phenomenon which tends to occur following certain astral phenomenon. Though it is interesting that for almost 300 years, there were no such blood moon phenomena, it does not indicate much in terms of any scientific significance.
The moon has always attracted the attention of mankind. Some religions in the world also ascribe religious significance to the moon. Earth’s only natural satellite has always excited man’s curiosity and admiration. When Neil Armstrong took a big step for mankind by walking on the moon, we thought we had discovered all its secrets. But this elusive yet interesting satellite still had a mysterious side which remains unrevealed. Maybe phenomenon such as the blood moon will generate scientific curiosity and further exploration of the earth’s closest friend in the universe.
