Written and Photos Daniel Cheon
A total lunar eclipse occurred the morning of Oct. 8 at around 6:30 a.m. local time. This type of eclipse is often precluded by an event called a “Blood Moon,” which takes its name from the characteristic reddish hue that overtakes the moon.
The crimson appearance is due to a unique alignment of sun, Earth and moon. The Earth is positioned between the two, and as the sun’s light bends around it, passing through Earth’s atmosphere, the light becomes red. It then hits the moon which in turn appears red, too.
The event lasted no longer than 20 minutes in the Eastern Time Zone and was finished by dawn at around 6:50 a.m. Several SCAD students in the first-year residence halls woke up earlier than usual in order to see the blood moon and after it the total lunar eclipse.
“It took longer than I expected, but it was worth the wait,” said Gabriel Teal, a resident of Turner House who woke up at 4 a.m. to watch for the eclipse.
A total lunar eclipse occurs twice every year and can easily be seen with the naked eye. The dates and times for lunar and solar eclipses, as well as other major celestial events, can be found at this website.
