Rear Blood Moon Captured in Toronto

A blood moon is a term used to describe a total lunar eclipse, during which the Earth completely blocks the sun's direct light from reaching the moon.

However, some sunlight is still able to pass through Earth's atmosphere and refract, or bend, around the planet and into the shadow it casts on the moon. Because Earth's atmosphere scatters more of the shorter blue wavelengths of light, the remaining light that reaches the moon's surface has a red or reddish-brown tint. This causes the moon to appear "blood-red" or "copper-colored" to observers on Earth, hence the name "blood moon."

Total lunar eclipses occur when the Earth is positioned directly between the sun and the moon, with the moon falling into the Earth's shadow, or umbra. The term "blood moon" is not scientific but rather a colorful description that has been used in various cultures for centuries to refer to the unique appearance of the moon during these events. The reddish color can vary in intensity depending on factors such as the presence of dust, smoke, or other particles in the atmosphere, which can alter the way the light is scattered.

Blood moons are relatively rare and can be seen from various parts of the world, depending on the specific eclipse's visibility path. They are not dangerous to observe and do not have any direct impact on humans or the planet. Instead, they are celestial phenomena that are fascinating to witness and have inspired myths, legends, and religious beliefs throughout history.