Why does the main satellite of the Earth turn red, how long does the phenomenon last and in what part of the planet can it be observed?
The Red Moon in the sky is not the result of a terrible magical rite or conspiracies, but an amazing astronomical phenomenon, explained by the usual laws of nature, the movement of cosmic bodies and their influence on each other.
If at this time the sky is clear, then the inhabitants of the Earth see an amazing phenomenon - the satellite of our planet turns crimson red. It is interesting that it is possible to witness such an unusual picture of the starry sky without special instruments from anywhere in the world.
A similar phenomenon occurs not so rarely - it all depends on the location of the moon and its approach to our planet. So in 2014, astronomers recorded four eclipses, and the last inhabitants of the Earth observed in July 2018. (see for 2019)
Why is the moon red?
Such an unusual color of the satellite of our planet is explained by a total lunar eclipse. Determined by the illumination of its sides by the rays of the Sun.
On a bloody night, the Moon approaches the Earth at a minimum distance, and in 2019 it will be almost a known minimum. A natural satellite, moving along an ellipse, either approaches or moves away from the Earth - the difference at the extreme points is about 50 thousand kilometers.
This explains the huge "size" we see during a supermoon (14% larger than usual). Why does it turn red? On this day, the satellite is in partial shade, and then in the full shadow of the Earth. Our planet, the Sun and the Moon at a certain moment are in the same line (the Earth closes the sun's rays, being between the Sun and its satellite) and the light does not penetrate the surface of the Earth and the satellite.
Thus, during the period of time when the moon is illuminated only by rays that have passed through the atmosphere, the violet and blue spectra remain outside our view, the atmosphere absorbs them. Astrologers distinguish total and partial eclipses, determined by the degree of shadow and penumbra from the Earth and the Sun.
In 2019, just six months after the last longest eclipse, earthlings will be able to observe something new. About when and how the international holiday appeared, why it is celebrated all over the world and what objects are symbols.
In the night sky from January 20 to 21, NASA experts recommend that residents pay attention to the sky, where an amazing astronomical phenomenon will take place. This year there will be a supermoon - a full moon, accompanied by a close approach of the satellite to our planet.
For inhabitants of different parts of our Earth, it will show its character at different times. Residents of Moscow will watch the bloody eclipse from 6 hours 34 minutes (the moon is in the west), and the lunar performance will end at 8 hours 43 minutes. The phenomenon will reach its climax at 8:12, when the luminary will rapidly approach the horizon. Thus, this year the Russians will be able to observe one of the longest eclipses, only one hour less than last year.
Best of all, the Blood Moon will be seen this time by Russians living in the West of the country, the Far East and the Far North.
The Mystical Meaning of the Blood Moon
Our ancestors believed that the heavenly bodies were the main predictors and omens, and the red color was considered diabolical, bringing misfortune, misfortune and death. That is why the peoples are sure of the misfortune that follows this phenomenon.
Astrologers say that this year there will be no ordinary bloody eclipse, but a “bloody wolf supermoon”, determined by the proximity to the Earth, its passage between its satellite and the Sun and the so-called “Wolf Moon” (the first full moon of the year). (see as of April 2019)
Foretellers are sure that this coincidence can lead to the death of mankind. American researchers even found confirmation of such statements in the writings of the ancient Incas. They believed that all phenomena associated with earthly luminaries predict trouble. The belief is explained by the ancient legend of the people, according to which the jaguar ate the bloody moon and should soon descend to Earth to destroy the Incas. People united and launched hundreds of mines into the sky to scare away the predator.
Such and similar tales formed the basis of fears, mystical influences and predictions about the end of the world. Scientists have proven that the red color of the Earth's satellite is one of a thousand natural phenomena that has a clear scientific explanation. In the global plan for the development of mankind, the blood moon does not affect in any way.
Why is a lunar eclipse and the blood-red color of our satellite dangerous and for whom? These issues should be of concern to people with an unstable psyche and weather-sensitive citizens. Health problems, depression, negative moods can increase many times over, nervous breakdowns are possible, cases of heart attacks and strokes are becoming more frequent. When are day and night equal? Why is this day important on the calendar? How do nature and man react to the equinox? What is so special about the spring equinox?
The proximity of the Moon has a much greater influence, approaching it increases the impact on the Earth, leading to man-made disasters, earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. History shows that on every supermoon, various kinds of natural disasters happen.
Important
Interestingly, astrologers advise giving up bad habits during this period. It will give additional strength and incentives to fight them.
This time is ideal not only for dealing with negativity, but also for new beginnings. It's time to abandon the past life and start writing a new page in your life.
To do this, you need to believe, be patient and confident.
Will you watch the Blood Moon in 2019?
On the evening of August 7, from approximately 20.24 to 22.19 Moscow time, almost all residents of Russia (except for the inhabitants of Chukotka and Kamchatka) will be able to watch a partial lunar eclipse. The shadow from the Earth will cover the Moon for a while. This is a fairly frequent show in the heavenly "shadow theater" - from 2 to 5 such astronomical events happen a year. This year, a similar phenomenon (partial eclipse) could already be observed on February 11. Around lunar eclipses, many myths and tales are born. Let's try to analyze the most interesting of them.
WHY IS THE MOON RED?
During eclipses, our celestial companion changes its usual yellow color to blood-red tones. This is because the Moon, even during a total eclipse, continues to be illuminated by the sun's rays that pass through the Earth's atmosphere. At the same time, sunlight is scattered in the atmosphere, but even in such a scattered form it still partially reaches the surface of the Moon. The atmosphere acts as a kind of filter: rays of the red-orange part of the spectrum pass through it best. And it is the rays of this range that, reaching the Moon, paint its surface in crimson-red tones. By the way, thanks to this light filter effect of our atmosphere, we can enjoy a scarlet dawn in the mornings or an orange-red sunset in the evenings.
DOES THE ECLIPSE SIGNIFICANT TROUBLE?
The red moon really looks ominous. But this illumination has no real impact on nature. Except for the impact on fragile minds. The properties of a lunar eclipse to terrify savages ignorant of astronomy were used by Christopher Columbus during his fourth expedition to America. The Spaniards spent a year in Jamaica, where local Indians supplied them with food and water. Over time, relations with the natives deteriorated and the expedition faced the threat of starvation.
Then Columbus came up with an ingenious way to solve the problem. Having learned from the tables of the German astronomer Johann Müller that there would be a lunar eclipse on February 29, 1504, he invited Indian leaders that day for negotiations. When the natives again refused to help, Christopher announced that he would ask the gods to punish the Indians. In response to incredulous smirks, the navigator assured that the leaders would now be presented with unequivocal proof of the coming heavenly punishment. As soon as the moon began to turn red, Columbus retired to the cabin and listened with pleasure to the cries of frightened caciques, who begged for forgiveness on their knees. After waiting for the end of the eclipse (it lasted 45 minutes), Columbus went out to the public and canceled the "end of the world." From the next day, the Spaniards did not know anything from the local natives. They were convinced that the pale-faced bearded men knew how to control the will of the gods.
DO SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS OCCUR FREQUENTLY DURING ECLIPSES?
Various kinds of astronomical events are indeed very often mentioned in historical sources. For example, in the Novgorod chronicles 44 descriptions of celestial phenomena are recorded (in particular, 7 lunar eclipses are mentioned) in 104 different messages. This difference in numbers is explained by the fact that the same event (for example, the appearance of Halley's comet in 1066) was recorded in all four Novgorod chronicles. It must be said that chroniclers were very interested in unusual natural phenomena. This is the second most frequent group of topics that chronicles describe. Priority, of course, had military and political events - 56.8 percent of all entries dealt with precisely these subjects. But the thematic group "Signs, unusual natural phenomena, disasters" consistently ranked second in terms of mention. On the one hand, these events were chronological markers, it was convenient to count time from them. On the other hand, people in those days attached special importance to such signs. So from the monument of ancient Russian literature " The Tale of Igor's Campaign"We know that the solar eclipse of May 1, 1185 was regarded by Prince Igor as a harbinger of great trouble. The bad omen came true, the Polovtsy defeated the Russian army, and the prince himself was captured.
Residents of Russia will see the "Blood Moon" on August 7 A photo: Nail VALIULIN
The lunar eclipse was also perceived as a fatal signal. A characteristic episode is described by the ancient Greek historian Thucydides, the author of the chronicles of the Peloponnesian War. The eclipse of the moon fell on the Sicilian expedition, during which the Athenians tried to capture Syracuse, the birthplace of Archimedes. The Athenians, after an unsuccessful campaign, were going to evacuate the island. However, a lunar eclipse and the appearance of a blood moon forced them to change their plans. The commander of the Athenians named Nicias, being a superstitious person, decided that the gods were against their retreat. The army was slow to sail and as a result was defeated, and Nicias himself was executed. So the “deuce” in the diary is not the worst punishment for poor knowledge of astronomy. And historians, thanks to the special attention of chroniclers to lunar and solar eclipses, the appearance of comets and other astronomical phenomena, can accurately determine the date of certain historical incidents.
BY THE WAY
How and where to watch the Blood Moon in Moscow
This coming Monday evening, the moon will resemble a burgundy disc. This was reported to KP at the Moscow Planetarium. And this is due to a partial eclipse that will occur at 20.24 and last until 22.19 (the maximum phase is at 21.20). The celestial disk will be a quarter in the northern part of the earth's shadow. It will be possible to see this with a professional telescope at the Moscow Planetarium at the Barrikadnaya metro station. And at the same time ask astronomers about the nature of the phenomenon
On January 21, Europeans will be able to observe one of the most impressive astronomical phenomena - the "bloody" Moon. The red disk will be visible in the night sky for three hours, and will not appear again until 2021. This year, the spectacle will be even more spectacular, as it will coincide with the supermoon: the night star will approach the Earth at a minimum distance. the site tells how and where it is best to look at the "bloody" moon.
scientific explanation
The "Bloody" Moon is an extraordinarily beautiful astronomical phenomenon that every person should see at least once. For several hours, the Moon has a rich bright red color and looks truly mesmerizing!
There is no mysticism in this event. The "bloody" night luminary becomes during its eclipse. To do this, the Earth, Sun and Moon must line up in one line. When the lunar disk enters the Earth's shadow, it still continues to be illuminated. The sun's rays going to the Earth are scattered in the atmosphere and reach the Moon. Since red-orange rays are best seen in the earth's atmosphere, it is they that are displayed on the surface of the moon during an eclipse: this is why the earth's satellite appears red. Already in our time, this phenomenon was unofficially called the "bloody" Moon, because the night luminary has always attracted with its mystery!
The hue of the lunar disk at each eclipse is different. It can be both bright and pale red, orange copper. It depends on the state of the earth's atmosphere and the area through which the moon passes.
In this case, during the eclipse from the shadowed part of the Moon, one could see the eclipse of the Sun by the Earth.
Blood Supermoon
The next lunar eclipse will take place on January 21st. It will last about three and a half hours, and its maximum phase will be at 08.16 Moscow time. This year, the eclipse will coincide with the so-called "supermoon" - the day when the moon will come as close as possible to the Earth and will appear larger than usual.
In Russia, the eclipse will be best seen from St. Petersburg, Karelia, the Murmansk region, Moscow and the cities of the central country: here you can follow the change in the color of the moon. Residents of Siberia will see the initial phases of the eclipse, and in the northeast they will be able to watch its end.
In any case, such an event should not be missed, because the next time the "bloody" Moon will appear in the night sky only on May 26, 2021.
How to observe correctly?
To observe the "bloody" moon, no special instruments are required: the red disk will be visible in the dark with the naked eye and will begin to fade only by 08.40, with dawn. Tall houses and trees can prevent you from seeing this rare occurrence, so it's important to find a suitable location without bulky objects. Since the Moon will come as close as possible to the Earth - 357 thousand kilometers (the maximum distance is 406 thousand kilometers) - it will even be possible to photograph it.
If an eclipse of the Sun cannot be viewed without special eye protection, then it is perfectly safe to watch a lunar eclipse. But the supermoon can cause an exacerbation of diseases in people with mental disorders, but at the same time it will not cause any harm to a healthy person.
Experts warn that you should not try to see the night star through a telescope: this can be dangerous for the retina. It is better to just admire the incredible sight and take photos of the red disk in the sky.
A prerequisite for observing the moon is clear weather. Unfortunately, it will be quite difficult to see something through the clouds. For those who can't enjoy the spectacle, the eclipse will be streamed live on NASA's website.
The moon will hide in the shadows on August 7th. As you know, the Earth's satellite shines not with its own, but with reflected light. When our planet blocks the sun's rays, a shadow falls on the surface of the moon. This time it will cover only part of the satellite, so such eclipses are called partial.
Even our ancient ancestors looked at the moon with respect and apprehension. At the same time, not only the moment of the eclipse itself was considered important, but also the three days preceding it, as well as three days after the event itself.
Video: wikipedia.org
One of the old signs calls for avoiding financial transactions at this time: do not give or borrow. This rule probably applies to loans as well. However, it is not clear whether, for example, it is possible to pay for purchases in stores with a credit card. It's probably best to delay this as well.
Modern astrologers are no less categorical. During these six days, people will become more irritable and vulnerable. The slightest dissatisfaction or reproach can lead to a serious painful quarrel. Scandals are fraught with nervous breakdowns. The authorities will be more picky, and the children will be even more capricious than usual. The moon will provoke disputes, but truth is unlikely to be born in them. In a week, you will hardly remember why standing up for your arguments against all odds seemed so important a few days ago. But by that time, the relationship with another person may already be irrevocably damaged. So restraint in the coming days will definitely not hurt.
Photo: jeffersonstateproducts.com
At risk are people prone to emotional instability and mental disorders. Communication with them, if possible, should be avoided. But if these are relatives and friends from whom you can’t hide, then they shouldn’t turn on news releases or thrillers at night.
Video: ren.tv
A few more tips relate to potentially dangerous situations. For example, if possible, you should avoid driving a car, a yacht, an airplane, or a manned spacecraft. The fact that stress provokes traffic accidents has long been known. So, if you really had to get behind the wheel, you need to try to calm down and turn on relaxing music.
Particular care should be taken by pregnant women and people with hypertension.
Representatives of alternative medicine are sure that meditation and a contrast shower will help to cope with negative factors. Moreover, men need to start and finish with cold water, and women - with hot. The exact temperature is usually not specified.
Photo credit: mindfulyourownbusiness.com
And many more are sure that it is during the period of a lunar eclipse that you can forever change your life for the better. New beginnings are recommended to be postponed, but there is a good chance to part with old bad habits. Alcoholics, drug addicts and gambling addicts will suddenly have additional internal resources to fight. You can also put an end to harmful psychological addictions and unhealthy attachments.
In general, doctors and scientists are not inclined to exaggerate the impact of lunar eclipses on humans. So the vast majority of people most likely will not even notice that something unusual was happening in the sky. However, vigilance certainly does not hurt.
Alexander Sablin
Another last one this year moon eclipse will happen in the evening on Monday, August 7. In clear weather, a beautiful and fairly frequent astronomical phenomenon will be available for observation almost throughout Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The August eclipse is expected to show the world the so-called "blood moon"- due to the peculiarities of light refraction of the sun's rays through the Earth's atmosphere, our satellite will be painted in crimson-reddish tones.
Where in Russia on August 7 you can observe the eclipse
The partial lunar eclipse, which will take place on August 7, will be available for observation throughout Russia, with the exception of Chukotka and Kamchatka, since at the time of its beginning there the Moon will already hide behind the horizon line.
What time will the eclipse be
Features of the eclipse on August 7
As astronomers explained, on August 7, Russians will observe a partial lunar eclipse, during which the disk of the Moon will be blocked for an earthly observer for about two hours by the northern part of the Earth's shadow. In the maximum phase of the eclipse, the lunar disk will be covered by the earth's shadow by about a quarter.
When is the best time to watch the eclipse in Moscow and St. Petersburg
In both capitals, the most favorable moment for observing the Moon in the Earth's shadow is around 21.20, when our natural satellite will plunge into the Earth's shadow most deeply.
Although at this moment the Moon will be located quite low above the horizon, a beautiful celestial phenomenon will be visible to the naked eye, as well as through binoculars and telescopes. Also, without additional optics, it will be possible to observe the burgundy-red - "bloody" - the color of the "hidden" Moon.
Why the moon will be "bloody"
The lunar disk takes on a blood red hue during an eclipse for physical reasons. The fact is that the sun's rays, which pass tangentially to the earth's surface, are not completely scattered in the earth's atmosphere. Some of these rays reach the moon already through the earth's atmosphere. At the same time, the Earth's atmosphere is most transparent to the rays of the red-orange part of the spectrum, therefore, during a lunar eclipse, it is these rays that mainly reach the surface of the Moon, giving it a red-burgundy color.
Where to see the eclipse on August 7 through a telescope
The Moscow and St. Petersburg planetariums invite astronomy enthusiasts of all ages to admire the partial lunar eclipse through telescopes.
As reported in Moscow Planetarium, where visitors are expected from 19 to 23 hours.
Tickets for the event can be purchased on August 7 from 19.00 to 22.00 at the box office of the Moscow Planetarium. Several telescopes will operate on the astronomical site to observe the amazing natural phenomenon, in addition, astronomers will give all the necessary explanations and read fascinating lectures on solar and lunar eclipses.
The entrance to the astronomical site of the Moscow Planetarium closes at 22.00, and the event will end at 23.00.
The astronomical platform for observing the lunar eclipse will be open only if the weather is clear, so it is advisable to clarify everything in advance on the website of the Moscow Planetarium.
St. Petersburg Planetarium also provides an opportunity to observe the eclipse through telescopes.
Telescope observations of a partial lunar eclipse will be available at the planetarium observatory on August 7 from 21.00 to 21.50.
It will also be possible to observe the starry sky through a telescope after the end of the eclipse - from 22.30 to 23.20. Both adults and children from the age of seven are invited to both events.
When will the next lunar eclipse be in Russia?
The next lunar eclipse, available for observation on the territory of Russia, will occur next year - on January 31, 2018. The winter eclipse can be observed in all Russian regions, except for the western and southwestern ones. Follow the information on the website Federal News Agency.
