Total Lunar Eclipse: 15-16 May!
Recommended for Middle Grades
On the nights of May 15 and 16, our planet’s shadow will be cast into space in the shape of a long, narrow cone. This will draw the attention of millions of people to the sky, where they will see the moon as a copper-coloured globe.
What is a total lunar eclipse?
A total lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing the Moon’s shadow to completely cover the Moon. When the eclipse reaches totality, those who are watching will be able to see the Moon turn red.
Interesting facts about the total lunar eclipse!
- If the weather is clear, people all most parts of the world will be able to see the total lunar eclipse from the comforts of their homes.
- In May 2022, there will be a total lunar eclipse that will be visible from most of North America, all of South America, Central and Western Europe, and most of Africa (except for the very eastern part).
- This means that nearly 2.7 billion people around the world could see it.
- Unlike a solar eclipse, which can hurt your eyes if you don’t take special steps to watch it, a lunar eclipse is completely safe to look at.
- A pair of binoculars or a telescope will give you a much better view than just your eyes. It’s easy to see this heavenly extravaganza.
Myths surrounding the total lunar eclipse!
- For many ancient cultures, the “blood moon” was a sign of bad things to come because it was linked to evil. The ancient Incas thought that the deep red colour looked like a jaguar attacking and eating the moon.
- In ancient Mesopotamia, an eclipse of the moon was seen as a direct challenge to the king’s power.
- Some Hindu myths say that lunar eclipses happen because the demon Rahu drinks the elixir of immortality.
- In India, many people think that a lunar eclipse will bring bad luck. Food and water are kept safe, and rituals are done to clean them. For the sake of their unborn child, it is very important for pregnant women to avoid eating and doing housework.
- Lunar eclipses have been linked to God’s anger for a long time, and in the Christian tradition, they are often linked to Jesus’ death on the cross.
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Watch a video
The Youtube Channel “National Geographic” shares information about Lunar Eclipse.
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