A Blood Moon is a captivating occurrence when a lunar eclipse aligns with the Moon’s closest proximity to Earth. This phenomenon amplifies the Moon’s size, radiance, and reveals a stunning crimson tint. Don’t let this rare spectacle pass you by!
A Blood Moon occurs when a total lunar eclipse aligns with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth.
Regarding prophecies about this phenomenon:
Various scriptures, including the Bible and the Buddhist ‘Great Treasure Sutra’, vividly describe signs marking the end of the world. These signs range from the dimming sun to falling stars, symbolizing impending disaster and chaos. May we aspire for peace and serenity in our lives amidst such prophecies.
Throughout history, religious beliefs and folklore have associated the “Blood Moon” with ominous omens. This phenomenon often symbolizes disaster and calamity.
On January 11, 2020, a “Blood Moon” phenomenon occurred, marking the last full moon of 2019 in the lunar calendar and the first of 2020 in the solar calendar. This year, unfortunately, saw the rampant spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming numerous lives worldwide. Alongside this, natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and trade wars seemed unending. Many wondered if this “Blood Moon” foretold a year of disaster and disease.
In Northern Taiwan on the evening of March 29, 2021, residents observed a red moon in the sky. An ancient belief suggests that a change in the moon’s color heralds impending disaster. Concerns arose regarding this occurrence.
Unexpectedly, three days later on April 2, a disaster struck: the Taroko Express train of the Taiwan Railways Bureau derailed in Hualien County, resulting in severe injuries. This event heightened worries, shock, and indescribable pain among the people.
Similar occurrences of the “Blood Moon” have been witnessed in many other countries as well.
The occurrence of a Blood Moon is often considered a forewarning of an impending disaster.
What exacerbates people’s unease is that according to meteorologists and astronomers from many countries, May 26 will host the largest Blood Moon of the year. In the skies, a rare total lunar eclipse will coincide with a “Super Blood Moon.”
On the night of May 26, 2021, not only will there be the appearance of a Super Moon, but at 19:14, the Sun, Earth, and Moon will align perfectly, resulting in a total lunar eclipse. This alignment and eclipse will be visible in Oceania, North America, South America, and East Asia. In New Zealand, a total lunar eclipse will be observable.
Throughout history, religions and folklore worldwide have long regarded the “Blood Moon” as an ill omen, symbolizing impending evil and calamity. In Chinese folklore, a legend suggests that the moon turns red like blood because a celestial dog consumes it, foretelling an imminent bloody disaster.
References to these phenomena in Buddhist scriptures, the Bible, and ancient texts are not devoid of rationale. Ancients often emphasized the harmony between nature and humanity, and they considered natural calamities as interventions from higher powers.
Surviving historical disasters and transitioning to new eras, as believed by some, requires a firm belief in God and Buddha. Upholding virtuous actions, accumulating merit, and practicing kindness are seen as protective measures under the guardianship of these divine entities, ensuring survival during challenging historical periods.
The Blue Moon is another fascinating lunar phenomenon. It’s not actually blue in color but refers to the occurrence of an additional full moon within a calendar month. Typically, a calendar month sees only one full moon, but occasionally, due to the moon’s cycle and our calendar’s timing, a second full moon can appear, which is termed the Blue Moon. This event isn’t particularly rare but has become a notable term in popular culture due to its unique occurrence.
The term “Blue Moon” refers to the occurrence of an additional full moon within a year.
Typically, a year comprises 12 full moons, one for each month. However, every 2 to 3 years, there’s an extra full moon within the year, resulting in a total of 13 full moons in that year. This extra full moon is what’s known as a Blue Moon. It appears roughly every 2.7 years, marking this occasional deviation from the usual monthly lunar cycle.
Black Moon
The term used to describe the phenomenon of the second new moon in a single month is often referred to as a “Black Moon.” According to scientists, this occurrence happens when the illuminated parts of the moon are in the Earth’s shadow, rendering it invisible to the human eye.
The term “Black Moon” refers to the second new moon in a single month.
Usually, each season of the year contains three new moons. However, in the summer of 2020, there were four new moons within the Northern Hemisphere. During this phase, the moon appears completely dark or black, offering a favorable opportunity for astronomers to observe stars, star clusters, or search for galaxies in the night sky.
Lunar eclipses and solar eclipses are two fascinating celestial events.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth comes between the sun and the moon, causing the Earth’s shadow to fall on the moon. This event happens only during a full moon, when the three celestial bodies are perfectly aligned. Lunar eclipses are visible from anywhere on Earth where the moon is above the horizon during the eclipse.
On the other hand, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, blocking all or part of the sun’s light from reaching the Earth. Solar eclipses happen only during a new moon when the alignment of the moon is in such a way that it obscures the sun. Solar eclipses are visible only from specific locations on Earth where the moon’s shadow falls, creating regions of partial or total darkness on the Earth’s surface.
The total lunar eclipse coincides with the moon’s closest approach to Earth.
This astronomical event contrasts with a solar eclipse and occurs when the moon, sun, and Earth align perfectly. While a solar eclipse or Blood Moon requires the moon to pass through the plane of Earth’s orbit, during a lunar eclipse, the Earth is positioned between the sun and the moon. Conversely, a solar eclipse occurs when the moon is situated between the sun and the Earth. The slight variations in the positions of these celestial bodies define each unique phenomenon.