The moon appears red tonight primarily due to its close conjunction with Antares, a bright red supergiant star in the constellation Scorpius. This celestial alignment causes the moon to take on a reddish tint enhanced by the fiery red light of Antares. Additionally, atmospheric scattering plays a role: when the moon is low on the horizon, shorter wavelengths of light (like blue) scatter out, leaving the longer red wavelengths, which gives the moon a red or orange hue. This is not due to a lunar eclipse or blood moon but rather a rare celestial event combined with atmospheric effects.
In summary:
- The moon is close to Antares, a red supergiant star, which enhances the red appearance.
- The Earth's atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths, leaving red light when the moon is low on the horizon.
- It is not a blood moon or lunar eclipse tonight.
This spectacle provides a beautiful astronomical view for sky watchers.
