On Tue., April 15, 2014, from about 1:30 A.M. to 4:00 A.M., a lunar eclipse was visible in the night sky, giving the moon an extraterrestrial red tint, commonly referred to as a “Blood Moon”.
The Blood Moon is caused by the moon passing into Earth’s shadow. During the process, the moon’s bright glow dims and a red hue can be observed by sky gazers. The red tint is visible because of sunlight seeping through the Earth’s atmosphere.
Most of the time, if you miss a total lunar eclipse you’re out of luck. Usually, they are several years apart; the last total lunar eclipse was on Dec. 10, 2011. In 2014 and 2015, however, the world will be able to witness 4 total lunar eclipses in a row, called a tetrad, and all will be visible from the United States.
According to the NASA website, an October eclipse should last about an hour, an April eclipse will last only 5 minutes, and a September eclipse will last a little over an hour. Lunar eclipses are rare in themselves. For example, before the 20th century, there was a 300 year period when there were no blood moons. Experiencing four total lunar eclipses in a row is a phenomenon that is bound to draw crowds into their backyards.
Scientists comment that there is nothing “strange” to worry about and that the tetrad is just a product of gravity and coincidence, simply a chance arrangement of the moon and the earth but, nonetheless, a marvel. Tetrads have happened in the past without any apocalyptic consequences. But this is not enough to settle the nerves of the astronomical paranoids. Many claim that this is a religious sign, a predecessor to natural disasters, or a match to descriptions of biblical prophecies. Some even go as far as claim that it a clear sign of an impending apocalypse.
“Due to the fact that the world hasn’t ended yet, and we all survived 2012, I’m sure that we will all be fine and everyone should just calm down. Just enjoy the view,” Ali Nesbit, BAHS sophomore, commented regarding the apocalyptic whisperings.
So wether or not you are stocking up for the end of the world, make sure you don’t miss these astronomical sights!