The moon has no light of its own, but its surface reflects sun rays, so it serves as our night luminary. During eclipses, our satellite turns red, which is why lunar eclipses are sometimes called “blood moons.”
Why do lunar eclipses occur?
These celestial phenomena occur when the Sun, Earth and Moon line up in a straight line. The Sun is behind the Earth, as a result the Earth casts a shadow on the Moon, and a lunar eclipse occurs.
They always occur on a full moon, but we cannot observe a lunar eclipse on every full moon. This is because the Moon's orbit is inclined at an angle of 5 degrees to the Earth's orbital plane, also known as the ecliptic (Earth's path around the Sun). The points where the two orbits intersect are called the lunar nodes, and eclipses can only occur when the full moon occurs near the lunar node. In other cases, the Earth cannot cast a shadow on the surface of the Moon.
Thus, for a lunar eclipse to occur, two conditions must be met:
Full Moon in the heavens;
The proximity of the Earth to one of the lunar nodes.
Types of lunar eclipses
There are 3 types: full, partial and penumbra.
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the central (dark) part of the Earth's shadow covers the entire visible side Moons. The Earth's shadow is about 1.4 million kilometers wide.
A partial lunar eclipse can be observed when only part of the visible surface of the Moon is covered by the Earth's shadow.
When the Sun, Earth and Moon are not in a perfectly level line, only the outer part of the Earth's shadow (penumbra) eclipses the Moon. Such an eclipse is called a penumbral eclipse.
Why does the moon turn red
Even if the Earth completely blocks sunlight from hitting the Moon's surface, our satellite is still visible in the skies. This occurs because the Earth's atmosphere refracts sunlight and indirectly illuminates lunar surface. During a total lunar eclipse, the Moon darkens and turns red because the Earth's atmosphere is most permeable to rays of the red color spectrum. However, the Moon can also turn yellow, orange, or brown colors, since clouds and dust particles are present in the earth's atmosphere, they allow waves of different lengths to reach the surface of our satellite.
Where can you see lunar eclipses?
This celestial phenomenon can be seen by everyone who is on the night side of the Earth. It can be observed with the naked eye. The chance of seeing a lunar eclipse is much higher than a solar eclipse (it is visible only in a narrow band in certain areas of the Earth), although both occur at similar intervals. In one calendar year there can be two lunar eclipses (about six months apart), sometimes three, but in some years none occur.
Myths and beliefs about eclipses
The ancient Incas believed that lunar eclipses were caused by a jaguar trying to devour the moon. The red or blood red color was explained as an attack by a big cat. earth satellite colors during a total lunar eclipse. The Incas were afraid that after attacking the Moon, a huge jaguar would crash to Earth and start eating people. They tried to drive him away with noise and screams, and teased the dogs to bark loudly.
However, jaguars were not the only predators in mythology that wanted to eat celestial body. Residents ancient Mesopotamia also saw eclipses as attacks on the moon, but in their story the attackers were seven demons. Other peoples had similar beliefs, which included bloodthirsty dragons and other mythical creatures.
The Hupa American Indians of Northern California believed that Luna had 20 wives and many animals, most of them mountain lions and snakes. If they did not bring enough food, they attacked and inflicted wounds, then the blood turned the Moon red. The eclipse ended when the wives came to protect them, drove away the predators and healed the Moon.
The Indians of Southern California believed that the eclipse signaled that the moon was ill, so they sang chants and prayed for her to return to health.
Not all ancient cultures attributed lunar eclipses negative meaning. According to a myth from Benin, the Sun and Moon fight each other, and people come to their aid to judge them. The ancient people of Benin believed that in the days lunar eclipses we need to come together, resolve old feuds and restore good relations.
Instructions
As you know, the Moon is the only natural satellite Earth. On the earth's horizon, she is the most bright object after the Sun. As the Moon moves around its orbit, different periods time, it turns out to be between our planet and the Sun, then on the other side of the Earth. The Earth is constantly illuminated by the Sun and casts outer space a cone-shaped shadow, the diameter of which at the minimum distance to the Moon is 2.5 times its diameter.
The plane of the Moon's orbit is located at an angle of about 5° to the plane of the ecliptic.
If we take precession into account earth's axis and the plane of the lunar orbit and take into account disturbances caused by the Sun and other planets solar system, it becomes clear that the Moon’s orbital movement changes periodically.
At some points in time, the Sun, Earth and Moon may be on the same or almost on the same line, and the Earth's shadow will partially or completely cover the Moon. This astronomical event is called a lunar eclipse. If the lunar disk is completely immersed in the region of the earth's shadow, a total lunar eclipse occurs. During partial immersion, a partial eclipse is observed. The total eclipse phase may not occur at all.
Even during a total eclipse, the lunar disk is visible in the sky. The moon is illuminated by the sun's rays passing tangentially to earth's surface. Earth's atmosphere most permeable to rays of the red-orange spectrum. Therefore, during an eclipse, the lunar disk becomes dark red and not so bright. There will be 2 total lunar eclipses in 2014 - April 15 and October 8. It is clear that an eclipse can only be observed in that part of the globe where the Moon is above the horizon at the time it passes through the shadow region. The maximum duration of a total lunar eclipse is 108 minutes.
During a partial eclipse, the earth's shadow covers only part of the lunar disk. From Earth, an observer will see a somewhat blurred boundary between the illuminated and shadowed parts of the Moon due to light scattering by the atmosphere. Shaded areas take on a reddish tint.
As is known, light rays capable of avoiding obstacles. This phenomenon called diffraction. Thus, around the cone of complete shadow in space there is a partially illuminated area - penumbra. Direct sunlight does not penetrate there. If the Moon passes through this area, a penumbral eclipse is observed. The brightness of its glow decreases slightly. As a rule, an eclipse cannot even be noticed without special instruments. Penumbral eclipses are of no interest to astronomers.
On Friday, July 27, a unique event will take place - the longest lunar eclipse of the century, which can be observed in almost all corners of the globe. The Earth will completely eclipse the Moon for one hour and 43 minutes, Day.Az reports with reference to Today.
At this time, people will be able to observe the “blood moon” - the Earth’s satellite will turn red.
What is a lunar eclipse and blood moon?
The "Blood" Moon is called during an eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on its satellite. Unlike a solar eclipse, when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking sunlight, the moon does not "darken" during an eclipse, but instead turns blood red.
This effect occurs due to the fact that the sun's rays, passing through the Earth's atmosphere, reach the Moon. Because blue and violet waves are scattered more than red and orange waves, more red waves reach the Moon, making it "bloody".
How often does a lunar eclipse occur?
Lunar eclipses are less common than solar eclipses- no more than three per year, which can be observed in any particular place, although in some years they may not exist at all. However, each lunar eclipse can be seen from more than half the globe.
The excitement surrounding the July 27 eclipse is because it will last a long time. The moon will be in Earth's shadow for four hours and will be completely eclipsed for one hour and 43 minutes. This falls just short of the theoretical limit of a lunar eclipse (one hour and 47 minutes). The eclipse will last so long Friday night because the moon will pass through the center of Earth's shadow.
Where and when can you see a lunar eclipse?
The eclipse will be best visible in the Middle East, eastern Africa, India and western China. The eclipse will also be visible from the rest of Africa, Europe, other parts of Asia, Australia, and eastern South America.
In Ukraine, the phase of a total lunar eclipse will occur on July 27 at 23:21 (20:21 GMT).
In India total eclipse will begin at 1 a.m. on July 28 and end at 2:43 a.m.
In Australia, the moon will begin to turn red at 4:30am on Saturday morning, with total eclipse occurring between 5:30 and 6:30am.
In the UK partial eclipse will begin at 20:30, the total eclipse will occur between 21:20 and 22:13.
IN east africa The partial eclipse will begin at 21:30," blood moon" will be observed between 22:30 pm and 00:13. In this region there will be best view for an eclipse.
What's the best way to view the blood moon?
It is best to get out of the city, away from light and lights. In the city, the contrast between the moon and the sky will not be so bright. Unlike a solar eclipse, a blood moon is completely safe to look at. You won't need a telescope for observations, but it's a good idea to stock up on binoculars.
These days even junior school student It is unlikely that you will be able to scare people with stories about a terrible wolf who lives in the night and at times devours the Moon in the black sky, foreshadowing misfortune.
However, until relatively recently, by astronomical standards, a lunar eclipse caused horror among humanity. Many cave paintings depict this astronomical phenomenon, which was mainly interpreted as a sign of the wrath of the gods and a harbinger of misfortune. And the blood-red appearance of the Moon clearly hinted at imminent bloodshed. In ancient China, for example, such an eclipse was considered “abnormal” or even “terrible.” In ancient Chinese texts you can find hieroglyphs that mean “unnatural connection between the Moon and the Sun,” “devour,” “misfortune.” Court astronomers believed that the Moon was being “devoured by a dragon.” In order to help the dragon spit out the luminary as quickly as possible, residents took mirrors out into the street, since the latter were associated with celestial bodies due to their ability to reflect light. It is noteworthy that mathematicians of Ancient China already during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD) could predict both lunar and solar eclipses for many decades in advance, but this knowledge was kept secret . The Indian Mahabharata says that a lunar eclipse occurs when the gods of the Indian pantheon gather to brew soma, the elixir of immortality. The Vikings firmly believed that two voracious wolves took turns devouring the stars to satisfy their unbridled hunger. In contrast to other nations, Australian Aboriginals a lunar eclipse, on the contrary, was associated with love.
Early astronomers and eclipse predictions
How did people’s attitudes towards such an interesting astronomical event change? As mentioned above, in Ancient China Despite the deep mystical attitude towards eclipses, astronomers inquisitively studied this natural phenomenon. Thanks to high development mathematics and algebra in the Middle Kingdom, ancient scientists managed to unravel the astronomical mystery. It turned out that using seemingly simple mathematical calculations it is possible to predict the onset of a lunar eclipse from high degree probabilities. There is evidence that even earlier, during the reign of the great Pharaohs Ancient Egypt, people already knew how to predict many astronomical phenomena. But what is most striking is that almost before construction Egyptian pyramids there was an entire observatory capable of predicting not only lunar eclipses, but also charting most of the most important astronomical events associated with our planet, its satellite and the Sun. The famous Stonehenge allowed you to do large number predictions and observations astronomical phenomena, and he deservedly bears the title the oldest observatory humanity.
How everything works
But what is the genius of ancient astronomers and mathematicians? What could be so complex hidden in such a seemingly simple phenomenon as the eclipse of the Moon by the Earth? Let's try to understand this issue. After discovery by Nicolaus Copernicus heliocentric system world, it became clear that the Moon, revolving around the Earth in 29.5 days, crosses the ecliptic plane twice in the so-called lunar nodes. The node, crossing which the Moon goes up to North Pole The earth is called Northern or Ascending, the opposite is called Lower or Descending. But due to the discrepancy between the planes of the Moon and Earth's orbit, not every full moon is accompanied by an eclipse.
Total, partial and partial eclipses
Also, not every lunar eclipse is total. And if the full moon occurs when the Moon passes such a node, then we will be able to observe an eclipse. But only half Globe can observe this phenomenon, since it will only be visible where the Moon is above the horizon. Due to precession Lunar orbit the nodes move along the ecliptic. The nodes complete a full cycle along the ecliptic in 18.61 years or in the so-called Draconian period. That is, Lunar eclipses occur exactly after this period of time. Knowing where and when the eclipse took place, you can predict the next similar event with very high accuracy. Essentially, an eclipse occurs when the Moon enters the cone of the shadow cast by the Earth. At the distance of our satellite's orbit, or 384,000 kilometers, the diameter of the shadow spot is approximately equal to 2.6 times the disk of the Moon. As a result, the Moon may well be completely darkened, and the maximum time of the total eclipse phase may be no more than 108 minutes. Such eclipses are called Central eclipses because the Moon passes through the center of the shadow cast by the Earth.
Why is the moon "blood"?
It is noteworthy that even when the Moon passes through the center of the shadow, it does not remain completely dark. The fact is that under the influence of the Earth's atmosphere refraction occurs sunlight, which leads to partial illumination of the lunar surface even at the peak of the eclipse. And because our atmosphere is most permeable to the orange-red spectrum of sunlight, it is this light that reaches the surface of the Moon, turning it blood red. A similar effect can be seen in the sky after sunset or before dawn. However, if the Moon does not pass through the center of the Earth's shadow, then a so-called incomplete or penumbral Lunar eclipse may occur, as a result of which part of the satellite will remain illuminated.
The rarest and most unusual lunar eclipses
In addition to the above facts, there is another no less surprising one. Paradoxically, a lunar eclipse can actually be observed when both the Moon and the Sun are above the horizon and are clearly not exactly at opposite points. In other words, a lunar eclipse can be observed when the rising or setting Moon is on your left, and the Sun is on your right, also in one of two phases. This phenomenon may occur due to the fact that the Earth's atmosphere bends the movement of light. This is one of the strangest natural phenomena, which can occur, and which at first glance seems impossible, given that an eclipse occurs when three bodies line up (syzygy). This anomaly occurs due to atmospheric refraction. The sun has actually already set, and the moon has not yet risen, but the lensing of light by the Earth's atmosphere distorts the surrounding astronomical reality. As a result of the "double" displacement celestial bodies their apparent convergence occurs by more than 1 degree of the great circle.
This kind of incredible eclipse was observed by Pliny the Elder on February 22, 72 AD. But the exotic views of lunar eclipses do not end there. Sometimes the Moon passes through the shadow of the Earth, being in the so-called supermoon, that is, the point of closest approach to the Earth. Since the Moon’s orbit is eccentric, at certain periods of time our satellite either approaches the Earth or moves away. When all circumstances coincide, along with the coincidence of the full moon and the passage of the Moon through the orbital node, the maximum approach of the Moon to the Earth also occurs. The last total lunar eclipse with a supermoon occurred on the morning of September 28, 2015. In addition, a lunar eclipse may coincide with the day of summer or winter solstice. On December 21, 2010, for the first time in 372 years, a lunar eclipse coincided with the winter solstice. The next time something like this will happen will be on December 21, 2094.
When is the next Lunar Eclipse?
Next year 2016 there will be two lunar eclipses: March 9 at 5:57 am and September 1 at 13:06 Moscow time. Not only will daytime illumination interfere with enjoying the eclipse in both cases, but the eclipses themselves will only be penumbral.
Lunar eclipse of October 8, 2014 compressed to 1 minute
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