What is a \u201cBlood Moon\u201d?<\/b><\/p>\n
HOUSTON<\/strong> \u2013 A \u201cBlood Moon\u201d is the nickname for a total lunar eclipse, when the Moon turns a deep red or copper color. This happens when Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon, blocking the Sun\u2019s direct light and casting a shadow on the lunar surface.<\/p>\n Even though the Moon is fully in shadow, it does not disappear. Instead, it glows red because sunlight is filtered through Earth\u2019s atmosphere before reaching the Moon.<\/p>\n Total lunar eclipse from November 8, 2022Why does the Moon turn red?<\/b><\/p>\n Earth\u2019s atmosphere acts like a filter for sunlight. Shorter wavelengths of light, like blue and green, scatter in many directions. Longer wavelengths, like red and orange, bend through the atmosphere and continue into Earth\u2019s shadow.<\/p>\n That red light is what illuminates the Moon during totality.<\/p>\n This is the same reason sunsets appear red. During a lunar eclipse, the Moon is lit by all of Earth\u2019s sunrises and sunsets happening around the edge of the planet at the same time.<\/p>\n Lunar Eclipse SetupWhat causes a total lunar eclipse?<\/b><\/p>\n A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon line up in a straight line. As the Moon moves into Earth\u2019s shadow, the eclipse progresses in stages.<\/p>\n First, the Moon enters the outer, lighter part of Earth\u2019s shadow and begins to dim slightly. Then it moves into the darker central shadow, where a noticeable darkening spreads across the surface. Finally, when the Moon is completely inside the darkest part of the shadow, totality begins and the Moon turns red.<\/p>\n Lunar Eclipse PhasesWhen can Houston see the eclipse?<\/b><\/p>\n For Houston, the eclipse will happen overnight into the early morning hours of March 3, while most people are asleep.<\/p>\n We will start to see a shadow on the moon at 3:35AM, but the red color will not start until 5:04AM. <\/p>\n The Moon will gradually darken before reaching totality, when the red color becomes most visible. The total lunar eclipse will begin here in Houston at 5:04AM and continue through 6:03AM. This phase lasts long enough for viewers to clearly see the transformation. It will be at it\u2019s maximum eclipse at 5:34AM. <\/p>\n Because lunar eclipses happen slowly, you can step outside at any point during the overnight hours and still catch part of the event, as long as skies are clear.<\/p>\n Total Lunar Eclipse TimingDo you need special equipment to view it?<\/b><\/p>\n No special equipment is required. Lunar eclipses are completely safe to view with the naked eye.<\/p>\n Binoculars or a telescope can enhance the view, but they are not necessary to see the red color change.<\/p>\n Blood Moon Eclipse timelapse from La Porte, Texas at the San Jacinto Monument. (Sergio Garcia Rill)<\/p>\n