EKU professor explains why last night's total lunar eclipse was a 'blood moon'
By John McGary
March 14, 2025 at 6:03 AM EDT
An Eastern Kentucky University professor says the total lunar eclipse overnight could increase interest in rare celestial happenings. Mark Pitts is an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at EKU. He said that interest increases when a total lunar eclipse occurs earlier in the evening.
“It's unusual enough that people want to see it. But at the same time, because it's a full moon, it is super easy to see. And if you just have a pair of binoculars, that's all you need to get a really nice view.”
Pitts said total lunar eclipses like the one late last night and early this morning only happen once or twice a year – and explains why blood moons like that one appear red:
“That's because light is still hitting the moon. And you might say, ‘Well, wait a minute, it's in the Earth's shadow. How could light hit the moon?’ Well, the light from the sun is refracting through the Earth's atmosphere and still hitting the surface of the moon.”
Pitts said total luncar eclipses are so bright that even if you live near a city with lots of light pollution, they can be seen.
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“It's unusual enough that people want to see it. But at the same time, because it's a full moon, it is super easy to see. And if you just have a pair of binoculars, that's all you need to get a really nice view.”
Pitts said total lunar eclipses like the one late last night and early this morning only happen once or twice a year – and explains why blood moons like that one appear red:
“That's because light is still hitting the moon. And you might say, ‘Well, wait a minute, it's in the Earth's shadow. How could light hit the moon?’ Well, the light from the sun is refracting through the Earth's atmosphere and still hitting the surface of the moon.”
Pitts said total luncar eclipses are so bright that even if you live near a city with lots of light pollution, they can be seen.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.