Total lunar eclipse paints the sky red this Tuesday; see images of the 'Blood Moon'
A total lunar eclipse, known as the 'Blood Moon', occurred on Tuesday, painting the moon red as it passed through Earth's shadow.
On Tuesday, part of the world witnessed a total lunar eclipse, a breathtaking phenomenon that caused the moon to take on a deep red hue, referred to as the 'Blood Moon'. This celestial event occurs when the Earth is positioned directly between the sun and the moon, casting its shadow on the lunar surface. Such an alignment can only take place during the full moon phase. When the moon entirely enters the darkest section of the Earth's shadow, known as the umbra, the total eclipse is achieved, resulting in the characteristic reddish-orange color.
In Brazil, viewers experienced the eclipse during the early hours of the day, but only partially, as it was visible only in penumbral shade due to daylight at the time. The total phase of the eclipse started at 5:44 AM (Brasília time) when the moon began its passage into Earth's shadow. The moon would be fully immersed in the Earth's shadow between 8:04 AM and 9:03 AM, offering those in the right viewing positions a striking visual experience.
For those who missed the event, opportunities to view live broadcasts were available, such as one from the Griffith Observatory in California, allowing enthusiasts to still engage with this spectacular astronomical event. Lunar eclipses like this not only fascinate the public but also provide excellent opportunities for scientists to study the moon's surface and the effects of Earth's atmosphere on light.