Residents of the Bay Area are set to witness a total lunar eclipse, known for its striking red hue referred to as a "blood moon." Unlike solar eclipses, lunar eclipses are more common and can be observed by anyone on the night side of Earth. During the eclipse, Earth's shadow causes the moon to darken and turn red due to Rayleigh scattering of sunlight. The color intensity can vary based on atmospheric elements such as pollution. This phenomenon serves as a reminder of the predictable movements of celestial bodies amid Earth's chaos.
During totality, the moon glows red because of Rayleigh scattering, the same phenomenon that makes sunsets appear orange and red. As sunlight passes through Earth's atmosphere, it filters out blue light and bends red light toward the moon, giving it that signature "blood" color.
Astronomers have used calculations to predict lunar eclipses for centuries. It's a really nice indication that even if things are in turmoil on Earth, the heavens are doing their thing in a routine way.
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