THE City was treated to a near uninterrupted view of Tuesday evening's lunar eclipse, the result of a direct alignment of the sun, earth and moon.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The event is explained as the moment in time when the full moon, looking down on earth, is seeing every sunset and every sunrise all at once.
The sunlight beams into Earth’s shadow, filling it with a coppery glow and mirrors onto the Moon giving it the burnt red aura seen in Goulburn skies between 5:30pm and 7:30pm.
It marked the beginning of an astrological phenomenon called the Tetrad. A four phase lunar eclipse cycle.
The red moon (also referred to as the Blood Moon) has a wealth of folklore and myth surrounding it throughout history.
In Wiccan practice, the Blood Moon represents time for divine growth. According to pagan tradition it signifies abundance, hunting and gathering.
For the early Maori, the blood moon signified a time to be careful. When Maori ancestors saw the moon turning red, they would say the moon died. They believed it was an omen for people to be careful of their activities and look out for one another.
The red moon has also sparked debate among a group of Christians, who believe it is a warning of the end of times.
Whether or not you are privy to those beliefs, the sight is still a wonder to behold.
For those who missed the red moon due to cloud cover or fear of catching a cold, there will be another opportunity during the second lunar eclipse of 2014 on October 8. Two more will occur in April and September next year.
Adding to the excitement of the night for professional star-gazers and amateur alike, Tuesday night proved perfect timing to see Mars in all its glory – as the time when the red planet was closest to Earth.
Want to contribute some photos you took of the Blood Moon? email them to brittany.murphy@fairfaxmedia.com.au
