Dear Commons Community,

Last night we were treated to a sky show when the full moon making its closest approach to Earth coincided with a full lunar eclipse where the moon, Earth and sun all lined up, with Earth’s shadow totally obscuring the moon. It’s the first time the events have made a twin appearance since 1982, and they won’t again until 2033.   During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth moves between the sun and the moon and cuts off the moon’s light supply. When this happens, the surface of the moon takes on a reddish glow instead of going completely dark. It is the same mechanism responsible for causing colorful sunrises and sunsets and the sky to look blue.The red color of a totally eclipsed moon has prompted many people in recent years to refer to a total lunar eclipse as a blood moon.

Tony