8 Oct 2014

Total lunar eclipse: the blood moon is back

A total lunar eclipse, known as a blood moon, occupies skies across the world for a second time this year.

A total lunar eclipse was visible in the skies just before dawn on Wednesday, aross North America, Australia, western South America as well as parts of East Asia.

It is the second of four “blood moons” over a two-year period that began on 15 April and will finish on 28 September, 2015.

A lunar eclipse happens when the earth casts a shadow that blocks sunlight that normally reflects off of the moon. A total lunar eclipse can only happen when the sun, earth and moon are perfectly aligned.

During the time of total eclipse, the moon will often look reddish due to red and orange light being scattered by the atmosphere. This eerie, harmless effect has earned its nickname blood moon.

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