Exploring the Moon’s Colours
The Moon’s appearance can vastly differ depending on various factors such as the time of night and atmospheric conditions. In the absence of Earth’s atmosphere, the Moon, illuminated by reflected sunlight, presents itself as a striking brown-tinged grey. The current image showcases a compilation of the diverse colours observed in the full Moon over a decade by an astrophotographer, captured from various locations throughout Italy.
A Moon that appears red or yellow is typically observed when it is near the horizon. In this position, a significant portion of the blue light is scattered away due to its extensive journey through the Earth’s atmosphere, which may often contain fine particles of dust. Conversely, a blue-hued Moon is a rarer phenomenon, suggesting the presence of larger dust particles within the atmosphere. The origins of the purple Moon captured in this collection remain uncertain, possibly resulting from a combination of various atmospheric effects.
A Glimpse of a Total Lunar Eclipse
One remarkable image included in the collection depicts the total lunar eclipse that occurred in July 2018. During this event, the Moon was engulfed in Earth’s shadow, taking on a faint red hue. This striking colouration is a result of light being refracted through the atmosphere surrounding the Earth. Have you ever witnessed a Moon displaying such unusual and vibrant colours?
Upcoming Astronomy Picture
Looking ahead, the next featured image will explore the theme of open space. Enthusiasts and curious minds alike can anticipate another captivating portrayal of our universe.
Date of the next feature: November 1, 2026.
Background Information
This initiative is supported by the Astronomy Science Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, in collaboration with NASA Science Activation and Michigan Technological University.
Yesterday’s image featured the theme of “Night on a Spooky Planet,” continuing the exploration of celestial wonders.
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