The Blood Moon Eclipse is Coming
If you missed the last three lunar eclipses you’re in luck as we are gearing up for the final of these celestial wonders until 2033. Late Sunday evening on September 27th, 2015 the Earth will slide directly between the moon and the sun which will result in, not only a total eclipse, but will also give the moon a reddish glow. Prophets and preachers call this a “Blood Moon” as it coincides with many Biblical prophecies, scientists call it rare, while we “normal folk” call it an amazing sight to behold. Here are some facts you may find interesting about this natural phenomenon.
It’s a Bird. It’s a Plane. It’s a…Supermoon?
Not only is this eclipse going to be something to witness, it also falls on the time when the moon is closest to the Earth – normally the moon sits about 240,000 miles away, but this “supermoon” will be a bit closer at 220,000 miles – making the moon 30 percent more luminous and about 14 percent larger.
Tinted Blood Red
We’ve had other lunar eclipses that don’t tint the moon a blood red, so why is this one different? Scientists reveal because the Earth doesn’t completely shade the moon some of the sun’s light will filter through the atmosphere, shining around our planet’s edges. The only wave length that can stream in is the one with the longest wavelengths. And as we learned in elementary science class that would be red.
@Attribution: By Luisalvaz (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)],via Wikimedia Commons
The Rarity of It All
According to NASA these red moons have only occurred five times in the last one hundred years; 1910, 1928, 1946, 1964 and 1982. After this spectacular show on September 27th and 28th, 2015 we won’t see another total lunar eclipse for another 18 years, falling on October 8th of 2033, so you don’t want to miss this one!
Where and When to Watch the “Show”
If you live in the eastern or central parts of the United States or Canada, you’re in luck as you will have the best “seat in the house” the night of September 27th. The eclipse will happen just after the moon rises and will continue through until about midnight. If you are on the west coast, you will miss the beginning stages of the process, but you should catch the eclipse at its fullest stage.
Depending on your location, here are some other times you may want to note;
- Peak eclipse will be at 2:47 am UT on September 28th – 10:47 pm ET on Sunday, September 27th.
- Eastern United States – the moon will start darkening at 8:11 pm Eastern time. It will start to pass through the Earth’s dark umbral shadow at 9:07 pm and be completely shaded for about an hour starting around 10 pm
- West coasters – the moon will be fully eclipsed as it is rising.
- North and South Americans – the eclipse will be visible after sunset on September 27th
- Africa, Europe and Middle East – view during the early hours of September 28th, before the Sun rises.
The Last of the Lunar Tetrad
This lunar eclipse is the last in a series that has occurred over the last two years. The first three were on April 15, 2014, October 8, 2014 and April 4, 2015. Interestingly, each of these periods are six months apart and have five full moons between them.
Lunar tetrads ebb and flow with some centuries having many, while others see few. The 21st century will have eight lunar tetrads which is the most any century can have. This only happened once before in the 9th century.
The Blood Moon. Is It a Sign?
Whether you believe in prophecy or a higher power, there are many of people around the globe that believe this last blood moon is a sign of coming trouble and trying times for the world. This is due to the fact that all the red moons fell on significant Jewish holidays; April 2014 and April 2015 occurred on Passover, while the October 2014 and September 2015 occur on the Feast of the Tabernacles. Could this be a celestial sign of the times ahead?
Whether you believe this lunar eclipse is a sign from above or science it is sure to be a spectacular sight to behold. Don’t miss out on this rare show. Grab your friends and family and hit an area with a clear view of the night sky, then sit back and enjoy one of the most intriguing celestial wonders you may ever experience.