The Red Moon is a phenomenon that is rarely observed. We will find out how astronomers explain the causes of the phenomenon, as well as whether it is worth worrying about the negative effects of the red moon.

The main reason for the red moon

The cause of the phenomenon is the diffusion of light. The light that is perceived by the eye is the result of the satellite illuminating by the sun's rays, as well as the light reflected from the surface of our planet. But light has a wave nature. White is a mixture of all shades. Passed through a prism, it is refracted into several colors of the rainbow spectrum.

Each light wave has its own frequency and color.. When light passes through the Earth’s atmosphere, it encounters various obstacles, as a result of which scattering occurs. Only that part of the light spectrum reaches us that has a wavelength that exceeds the length of other waves. And this part carries exactly the red color. Some of the short waves are still accessible to our eye, so a bluish-colored rim is sometimes observed on a red satellite.

Causes of the Red Moon

Consider a number of factors that explain in more detail the causes of the red moon.

Relative to the horizon

During sunrise or sunset, a reddish tint of the Sun is noticeable. Exactly the same phenomenon is observed in the satellite of the Earth. Light is forced to travel a great distance and break through the gas shell of the planet.

Air pollution

The phenomenon is often observed during fires or volcanic eruptions. Light overcomes layers of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, and also passes through soot particles. It is the long waves of red that are able to pass these obstacles. In cities with large and non-environmentally friendly industrial production, this phenomenon is often observed.

An interesting fact: superstitious people see the phenomenon of the "bloody moon" an alarming sign. However, there is no sinister secret - the color of the satellite is explained scientifically.

Total lunar eclipse

This phenomenon occurs when the moon is completely covered by the shadow of the Earth. However, the sun's rays illuminate the satellite, moving tangentially through the atmosphere of our planet. This again leads to the scattering of rays, as a result of which only the longest rays - red, reach the moon.

Astrologers often associate the phenomenon with the most important events in the history of mankind. Someone at this time is feeling unwell, anxiety, headaches. In mythology and world religions, the phenomenon takes a serious place. The ancient Mayans believed that on the day of the "Red Moon" especially strong people were born. The peoples of Africa believed that it was dangerous to look at the red moon - this brought about diseases and disasters. The Bible mentions that the red moon testifies to the imminent Apocalypse.

Interesting fact: astronomers and doctors deny the harmful effects of the phenomenon on the human body. The causes of malaise can be exclusively psychological, they are subject to emotional and impressionable people.

In addition, it is important to note that the previous phenomena of the red moon were not accompanied by any serious planetary events.

When was the red moon?

The inhabitants of the planet Earth observed the red moon on the night of January 21, 2019. The uniqueness of the phenomenon is also explained by the fact that the red moon coincided with the Super Moon (the maximum approximation of the Earth to its satellite). This year, the eclipse was clearly visible to residents of northeastern Russia, Britain, Spain, Portugal, northwestern France, western Africa and the Americas. Next time, an impressive sight will be able to admire only in 2037. You can see such an eclipse far from every part of the earth's surface. An important factor is the lack of urban light sources.

Thus, the red color of the moon is a visual effect due to the scattering of light rays. Dispersion occurs due to atmospheric pollution, the location of the satellite relative to the horizon, or an eclipse. Therefore, there is no reason to worry about superstitions - the phenomenon is explained astronomically.