The Lunar Eclipse

By Ashlea Simmers.

"The Blood Moon hangs,

Faded maroon

Hidden by Earth’s shadow

Its light dead

Colored red

Until the shadow is shed

And Light—

Once again spread"

-Robbie Pruitt.

An amazing photograph of the 2019 Lunar Eclipse captured by Chris Bias.

What is a Lunar Eclipse?

The Lunar Eclipse is an exciting and mysterious astronomical event. It is whenever the Earth blocks the Moon from the Sun. Thus, all of the light the moon usually receives from the sun is temporarily blocked. Instead, the sunlight hits the Earth and refracts from our atmosphere unto the surface of the Moon. This is what causes the Moon to appear a reddish tint--which is called a Blood Moon.

Above: an oversimplified illustration of the Lunar Eclipse.

Sunday, January 20th of 2019...

On this night, the Lunar Eclipse started around 10:30pm and did not end until around 2am the next morning. What made this Lunar Eclipse special was not only the fact that it had been the first of the new year, but it also resulted in a Super Blood Moon. In other words, the Moon was closer to the Earth than it usually is--hence, the term "Super Moon" can be used to describe it's appearance.

When will the next Blood Moon occur?

Unfortunately, we will have to wait a short period of time before the next Lunar Eclipse. After the next two years, the Blood Moon will make it's spectacular, appearance once again! According to Time and Date (n.d.), this event will occur the morning of May 26th of 2021. (The link to website will be below.)

What to do before the next Lunar Eclipse:

-Invest in a telescope.

Watching the Lunar Eclipse through a telescope can be loads of fun. With a telescope, you can view many other astronomical bodies; For example, star nebula's, constellations, shooting stars, etc.

-Join a group or club or gather with friends or family to watch the Eclipse.

Nothing is better than having friends and/or family members to enjoy the beauty of the Blood moon with. Especially if you find yourself with surrounded by other people who have an interest in Astronomy. You can talk about various science-related topics or even have a calm and relaxing party. The possibilities are endless--but don't forget about the Moon!

-Plan Ahead!

Unlike the last Lunar Eclipse, which occurred January 20th, the next is sure to be a comfortable temperature. However, be sure to plan for anything! Unexpected weather, temperatures, or accidents can make things go awry. Furthermore, make sure to plan out the day's (or night's) events accordingly. Don't be stuck at the celebration with a cake you can't cut, because the knife and server was left at home!

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References

Time and Date. (n.d.). May 26, 2021 Total Lunar Eclipse (Blood Moon). Retrieved from https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar/2021-may-26

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