Lunar Eclipse 2021 image: Partial Lunar Eclipse from Charlotte in North Carolina, US
The Lunar Eclipse and Super Blood Moon on Wednesday were very special. This was the first total Lunar Eclipse in over two years. The celestial drama was live online and people staying at places where the Lunar Eclipse and the Super Blood Moon were not visible also enjoyed watching the cosmic event. The total Lunar Eclipse occured for over several hours, when the Moon passed through the Earth's shadow. The Moon was closest to the Earth in its orbit.
Here are the updates on Lunar Eclipse 2021:
Why Flower Moon?
The May full moon is known as the Flower Moon as it occurs when spring flowers are in bloom.
This Super Flower Moon will also feature the first total lunar eclipse in more than two years, during which the moon will pass through the Earth's shadow. It will appear red, which is known as a blood moon, because light is scattered through the Earth's atmosphere, much like during a sunset.
Moon Pictured Over Hong Kong
The moon is pictured above Hong Kong on May 26, 2021, during a total lunar eclipse as stargazers across the Pacific are casting their eyes skyward to witness a rare "Super Blood Moon". In Hong Kong however the view was partially obscured by cloud.
"It's not as red as I thought. I saw a photo and the Moon was very red, but now it's not that red," said primary school student Chui Yiu-chun, who was trying to catch a glimpse from the city's harbourfront.
Super Flower Moon Over Sydney Opera House
The year's biggest full moon, known as the Super Flower Moon, rose in a clear evening sky over the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday. The moon was at the closest point to Earth in its orbit, making it appear about 7 per cent larger and 15 per cent brighter than normal.
See here: The Super Flower Blood Moon over Los Angeles
Watch: How the total Lunar Eclipse occured
Watch: How the Full Moon entered the deepest part of Earth's shadow - a total Lunar Eclipse
Full Moons are often known by different names depending on the local culture. The May Full Moon is known as the Flower Moon because this was the season in the Northern Hemisphere when spring flowers appeared in abundance.
Why is the Full Moon called a Super Blood Moon?
The term Blood Moon is not a scientific one but certain Full Moons are called the Super Blood Moon as it is at its closest point to the Earth in its orbit and that makes it look larger than usual. The moon appears reddish and rusty when it moves through Earth's shadow.