Blue moons and blood moons are intriguing astronomical events that draw the attention of observers globally. While certain lunar names, such as the strawberry moon, are associated with terrestrial occurrences like the strawberry gathering, the variations in moonlight color often appear enigmatic. Nonetheless, this is a result of the Moon reflecting sunlight instead of producing its own light.
The surface of the Moon, mainly made up of gray anorthosite rock, uniformly absorbs and reflects sunlight, resulting in a grayish-white look. However, the atmosphere of Earth is essential in changing the color of moonlight as it travels to our eyes. When the Moon is positioned high in the sky, the path of light through the atmosphere is brief, allowing most of the white light to reach us. On the other hand, when the Moon is close to the horizon, the light passes through a thicker layer of atmosphere, scattering various wavelengths and changing the observed color.
During a blood moon or lunar eclipse, the atmosphere of Earth absorbs blue light wavelengths, permitting only red and orange wavelengths to reach the Moon and reflect back to Earth, imparting a reddish tint. This occurrence underscores the intricacies of light and its influence on how we perceive celestial phenomena, providing understanding into the science that governs our universe.
