From the night of Sept 7 to the early hours of Sept 8, skywatchers across the world saw a stunning total lunar eclipse—aka the "blood moon." 🌕🔴
What is a blood moon? During a total lunar eclipse, Earth lines up between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow over the moon. Instead of disappearing, the moon often glows red thanks to sunlight filtering through Earth’s atmosphere—kind of like nature’s red filter. Cool, right? 🌎➡️🌕
The eclipse unfolds in seven phases:
- Penumbral shading: The moon enters Earth’s outer shadow, looking slightly dim.
- Partial eclipse starts: A dark “bite” appears as the moon moves into the inner shadow.
- Total eclipse begins: The moon is fully in shadow, starting its red glow.
- Greatest eclipse: The moon is at its reddest and roundest—this peak happened at 2:12 a.m. Beijing Time on Sept 8.
- Total eclipse ends: The moon brightens as it leaves the inner shadow.
- Partial eclipse ends: The “bite” disappears.
- Penumbral shading ends: The moon returns to its full, bright self. ✨
Whether you’re in Mumbai, Manila or Kuala Lumpur, here are some quick tips to enjoy and capture the show:
- Find a clear view: Open spots like rooftops or parks work best. 🏞️
- Go steady: Use a tripod or steady surface for crisp shots.
- Camera mode: Try the “Night” or “Pro” mode on your phone. Increase exposure time for more moon details.
- Join the community: Share your shots on Insta with #BloodMoon for a chance to get reposted! 📸
This epic sky moment is a reminder of how connected we are under the same sky—no matter if you’re chilling in Colombo or streaming tunes in Jakarta. Next time, grab friends, pack some snacks, and make it a full-moon party. 😉🌙
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
