Have you ever looked up at the night sky and witnessed a deep red moon hanging in the darkness? This mesmerizing phenomenon, known as a Blood Moon, occurs during a total lunar eclipse. As an astronomy enthusiast and telescope merchant specializing in high-quality observational equipment, I’ve had the privilege of capturing this celestial event using different telescopes from brand Gskyer. In this blog, I’ll explain the science behind the Blood Moon and show how our telescopes—AZ70400, AZ90600, and 130EQ—can help you experience it in stunning detail.
What is a Blood Moon?
A Blood Moon appears during a total lunar eclipse when the Earth moves between the Sun and the Moon, casting its shadow over the lunar surface. But why red? Sunlight passing through Earth’s atmosphere gets scattered, with red wavelengths bending around the planet and illuminating the Moon with a dramatic crimson glow. This is sometimes called Rayleigh scattering—the same effect that gives us vivid sunrises and sunsets.
This rare event captivates millions around the world, making it a perfect opportunity for astrophotographers and sky watchers to test their gear.
This time, we have an excellent opportunity to observe the blood moon with Gskyer and share it.
The Stages of a Blood Moon: A Celestial Drama Unveiled
A Blood Moon doesn't just appear suddenly; it is the climax of a beautiful celestial event called a total lunar eclipse. This drama unfolds in several distinct stages, each offering a unique viewing experience. I've observed these phases countless times through our telescopes Gskyer. Understanding these stages will help you fully appreciate the event and choose the perfect moment to observe or photograph it with your telescope.
Here are the key phases of a total lunar eclipse:
1. Penumbral Eclipse Begins
The event starts subtly. The Moon enters the Earth's outer shadow, known as the penumbra. The darkening is very faint and often difficult to notice with the naked eye. This is the "warm-up" act, where a keen observer might detect a slight shading on one edge of the Moon.
· Best for Observation: This phase is a great test for your telescope's clarity. The Gskyer 130EQ, with its precise optics, can make this subtle shadow more apparent.
2. Partial Eclipse Begins (Umbral Phase)
This is when the main event kicks off. The Moon begins to move into the Earth's dark, inner shadow—the umbra. A dark, distinct "bite" appears on the left side of the Moon (for Northern Hemisphere observers) and slowly creeps across the lunar surface. This is a dramatic and easily visible phase that can last over an hour.
· Best for Observation: Any of our telescopes will provide a fantastic view here. The Gskyer AZ90600 offers a great balance of detail and ease of use, making it perfect for tracking the progression of the shadow.
3. Totality Begins (The Blood Moon Appears)
This is the moment we've all been waiting for. The Moon is completely engulfed by the Earth's umbra. Instead of disappearing into blackness, it transforms into a breathtaking copper-red, orange, or rusty hue—the famous Blood Moon. This red light is sunlight filtered and refracted through Earth's atmosphere.
· Best for Observation & Photography: This is the prime time for astrophotography. The Gskyer 130EQ excels here, capturing the deep red colors and any surrounding stars with professional clarity. The Gskyer AZ70400 is also wonderful here, allowing beginners and families to easily see the stunning red glow.
4. Maximum Eclipse (Peak of Totality)
This is the midpoint of totality, when the Moon is at its deepest within the Earth's shadow. The color and brightness of the Blood Moon can vary depending on atmospheric conditions (like volcanic ash or pollution). This is the best time to admire the full, eerie beauty of the event.
· Best for Observation: All telescopes will provide a memorable view. This is a great moment to use the multiple eyepieces of the Gskyer AZ90600 to zoom in and out and appreciate the view.
5. Totality Ends
The Moon begins to exit the umbra. The direct red glow starts to recede, and the dark "bite" will appear on the opposite side, marking the end of the total phase and the return to a partial eclipse.
6. Partial Eclipse Ends
The Moon completely leaves the umbral shadow. The dramatic dark shadow is gone, and the penumbral phase begins again, fading out until the eclipse officially concludes.
Capture the Blood Moon with the Right Telescope
At Gskyer, we believe everyone should enjoy the wonders of the universe—whether you’re a beginner, hobbyist, or seasoned astronomer. Here’s how our telescopes perform when photographing the Blood Moon:
1. Gskyer AZ70400: Perfect for Beginners & Kids
The AZ70400 is our most user-friendly and portable model. Its compact design and straightforward altazimuth mount make it easy to set up and use, even for young astronomers. During the last Blood Moon, we used this telescope to capture clear, bright images of the eclipsed moon. While it may not reveal the finest lunar details, it offers exceptional value for money and is ideal for families or those starting their stargazing journey.
2. Gskyer AZ90600: Great for Adult Beginners & Hobbyists
If you’re an adult looking to dive deeper into astronomy, the AZ90600 offers higher magnification and improved clarity thanks to its 90mm aperture and 600mm focal length. This model comes with multiple eyepieces and a stable mount, making it easier to track and photograph the moon in vivid detail. We used it to capture the Blood Moon’s reddish hue with enhanced contrast and sharpness—a great tool for aspiring astrophotographers.
3. Gskyer 130EQ: Designed for Advanced Users
For those seeking professional-level performance, the Gskyer 130EQ features a parabolic primary mirror and a German equatorial mount for precise tracking and crystal-clear images. During the eclipse, we used the 130EQ to capture stunning, high-resolution shots of the Blood Moon, highlighting surface features even during totality. Its superior optics and accuracy make it the best choice for serious astronomers and advanced astrophotographers.
How to Photograph the Blood Moon
Want to try capturing the next Blood Moon yourself? Here are a few quick tips:
· Use a stable tripod and a telescope with good light-gathering ability.
· Experiment with eyepiece projection or smartphone adapters for simple astrophotography.
· Lower ISO settings to reduce noise while capturing the moon’s glow.
Conclusion
The Blood Moon is a breathtaking example of how astronomy connects us to the cosmos. Whether you’re sharing the moment with your children or delving deep into astrophotography, Gskyer has a telescope for every level of interest.
Check out our models:
Check out our telescopes and prepare for the next lunar event! Check out our telescopes and prepare for the next lunar event! Check out our telescopes and prepare for the next lunar event!
