Blood moons, which refer primarily to total lunar eclipses where the Moon appears reddish, typically occur about 2 to 4 times per year as lunar eclipses happen roughly every six months, but total lunar eclipses are less frequent among them. On average, there are about two total lunar eclipses visible worldwide each year, making blood moons not rare but also not very common events.
Explanation of Blood Moons
A blood moon happens during a total lunar eclipse when the Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the Moon. The light reaching the Moon is refracted through Earth's atmosphere and appears red due to scattering effects similar to sunsets on Earth.
Frequency
- Lunar eclipses happen roughly twice a year, but not all are total eclipses.
- Total lunar eclipses (blood moons) can be seen about 2 times per year globally.
- Some years might have no total eclipses, while other years might have more.
- Over decades and centuries, the frequency varies but typically 2 to 4 blood moons occur annually.
Special Cases
- Sometimes, blood moons occur in a series of four total lunar eclipses in a row over about two years, called a lunar tetrad, which is rarer.
- The term "blood moon" can also refer to other lunar phenomena but is most commonly used for total lunar eclipses with the red appearance.
So, in summary, a blood moon happens generally 2 to 4 times per year through total lunar eclipses, but exact frequency varies with natural eclipse cycles.
