💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch

Global Geological And Climatic Events

‘Blood Moon’ and Lunar Eclipse

Why in the News?

Viewers across Asia, Australia, and parts of Africa witnessed a Blood Moon on 8th September, a spectacular form of total lunar eclipse visible.

About Lunar Eclipse:

  • Overview: Happens when Earth comes between Sun and Moon, blocking sunlight from reaching the Moon.
  • Earth’s Shadow:
    • Umbra: Dark central shadow, causes total or partial eclipses.
    • Penumbra: Outer shadow, causes faint dimming.
  • Types:
    1. Total Eclipse: Moon passes fully through umbra.
    2. Partial Eclipse: Only part of Moon enters umbra.
    3. Penumbral Eclipse: Moon passes through penumbra with subtle darkening.
  • Frequency: Occurs 2–4 times per year, visible from different regions.

Why lunar eclipse don’t occur every month?

: Lunar eclipses don’t happen every month because the Moon’s orbit around the Earth is tilted by about 5 degrees relative to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. This tilt, known as orbital inclination, means that during a full Moon, the Moon often passes above or below Earth’s shadow, preventing a perfect alignment required for an eclipse. Eclipses only occur when the alignment is precise, allowing the Sun, Earth, and Moon to line up in a straight line.

What is Blood Moon?

  • Meaning: Refers to the reddish glow of the Moon during a total lunar eclipse.
  • Cause: Rayleigh scattering in Earth’s atmosphere.
    • Short wavelengths (blue, violet) scatter away.
    • Longer wavelengths (red, orange) bend around Earth and light the Moon.
  • Colour Intensity:
    • Presence of dust, aerosols, volcanic ash deepens the red shade.
    • Cleaner atmosphere produces a lighter red or orange.
  • Historical Insight: Medieval records of Blood Moons helped identify volcanic eruptions between 1100–1300 CE, confirmed by a 2023 University of Geneva study.

Significance:

  • Scientific: Acts as a natural indicator of atmospheric composition, dust, and pollution; helps model planetary atmospheres.
  • Historical/Environmental: Provides evidence of past volcanic events and climate conditions.
  • Cultural: Linked to myths and superstitions, though harmless scientifically.
  • Public Engagement: Widely followed celestial event that aids astronomy outreach and awareness.
[UPSC 2019] On 21st June, the Sun

Options: (a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle*

(b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle

(c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator

(d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

 

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