Introduction to the Blood Moon
The moon is set to provide a rare and awe-inspiring celestial spectacle to the Space City as it orbits through Earth’s shadow early Friday. This event is a total lunar eclipse, which will turn the moon into a "blood" red. According to NASA, the transformation is expected to begin around 12:47 a.m. Friday and will last until 3:10 a.m., with the totality of the eclipse occurring between 1:26-2:31 a.m.
What to Expect
However, the Weather Channel forecasts cloudy overnight skies in the Houston area, with some winds, which may obstruct the view. Despite this, Carolyn Summers, vice president of astronomy at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, encourages people to stay up late to enjoy the rare event. "If the moon looks good from your window, it’ll look good when it turns red," Summers said. She also noted that the eclipse can be shared with people thousands of miles away, as everybody on the same side of the Earth can see it at the exact same time.
The Science Behind the Blood Moon
The total lunar eclipse, also known as a "blood moon," occurs when the sun, Earth, and moon align. As the light from the sun passes through Earth’s atmosphere, longer-wavelength light like red and orange are projected onto the moon. The moon, hidden by Earth’s darkest and innermost shadow, called the umbra, is then illuminated, giving it a red hue.
Frequency of Blood Moons
According to NASA, the last blood moon visible in Houston occurred in November 2022. The next one is expected in September but will be visible only in the eastern hemisphere. Most of the continental U.S. is going to be in the path of this week’s lunar eclipse, according to NASA’s scientific visualization studio. The next blood moon that can be seen in the Houston area will be on March 3, 2026.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the total lunar eclipse is a rare and exciting event that will provide a unique opportunity for people to witness the moon turn into a "blood" red. Although the weather forecast is not ideal, it is still worth staying up late to catch a glimpse of this celestial spectacle. With the next blood moon visible in Houston not occurring until 2026, this is an event that should not be missed. So, mark your calendars, set your alarms, and get ready to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the blood moon.
