Have you seen the full Moon when it looks reddish? If the answer is yes, you have surely enjoyed this phenomenon from start to finish.
However, The color of the full Moon shows us what the atmospheric conditions are like at a given time and place..
Last Wednesday, May 22, the appearance of the terrestrial satellite looked between orange and reddish, which caught the attention of several people in Guatemala City.
For this reason, experts explain why the color of the Moon can change according to atmospheric conditions and their respective variations.
Is there a relationship between air pollution and the reddish appearance of the full Moon?
According to the general consensus among various expertsair pollution does have a relationship with the reddish appearance of the full Moon.
According to Edgar Castro, director of the Astronomy Institute of the Galileo University, when we see the Moon in an orange or reddish tone, this is because there are various particles of dust, smoke and other elements floating in the atmosphere at low altitude; many of them a product of pollution.
Castro explains that these particles can stop short wavelengths and only let long wavelengths pass through, which correspond to warm tones. In other words, this causes the color of the moon to appear orange, yellowish or reddish.
Castro adds that when the Moon looks completely red, this means that the particles traveling in the atmosphere are much denser, which translates into a much higher level of atmospheric pollution.
Rayleigh scattering: How is it related to the full Moon?
According to Eleonora Poitevin, president of the Guatemalan Astronomy Association (AGA), Rayleigh dispersion is what allows blue tones to be absorbed and that is why we see the sky in this color.
The expert explains that, due to this effect, red light cannot pass through as easily and that causes this tone to deviate. However, when this light reaches the surface of the atmosphere and the moon rises above the horizon, it presents yellowish tones.
In this regard, Poitevin states that If this effect occurs during a time when there is atmospheric pollution, a forest fire or any other similar factor, the full moon effect on the horizon in a reddish tone is automatic..
Carlos Archila, member of the Astronomy and Astrophotography Guatemala group, agrees with Poitevin and Castro that the reddish color of the full Moon is a product of pollution, despite the fact that it is a beautiful visual spectacle.
Red moon: Sign of high air pollution
Archila mentions that light hits the suspended dust particles in the environment and this causes them to decompose into their different colors. At the same time, the Earth also helps to disperse all these tones, mainly the greenish and bluish ones; then the color red remains.
Therefore, if there is pollution, this tone intensifies, which means that the pollution index is high. Likewise, Archila explains that this may vary depending on the point of view from which this effect is observed, since it is likely that the appearance will be different at each point depending on the pollution levels of each region.
Experts agree that there has not been a significant increase in this phenomenon in recent months and that this may change for various reasons. In any case, enjoy this lunar phase from wherever you are, without forgetting that it is important to take measures regarding air pollution to avoid any damage to your health.
